Filipino student kidnapped, slain in Ireland

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipina college student in Ireland earlier reported kidnapped was found dead near Dublin on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Citing reports from the consulate in Dublin, the Philippine embassy in London said Jastine Valdez, 24, had just left her home in Wicklow County when she was abducted.

Valdez was last seen by witnesses on Saturday being dragged into a black Nissan car.

The suspect, identified as Mark Hennessy, was shot dead on Sunday after he allegedly tried to stab a police officer trying to arrest him for the kidnapping.

Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo said authorities found the body of Valdez, an accountancy student, in South County Dublin following a massive search that began after her disappearance.

Lagdameo said Honorary Consul Mark Congdon will be discussing with the family assistance the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) may be able to extend.

The DFA expressed its sympathy to the family of the Filipina student.

Authorities believe Valdez was murdered within minutes after she was abducted.