ARITAO, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Heartbroken relatives and friends of slain Filipina student Jastine Jeryl Valdez hugged her casket when her remains arrived at the family home in Barangay Banganan from Dublin, Ireland early Thursday.
Jastine’s remains, accompanied by her parents, arrived at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday from Ireland. Philippine Honorary Consul Mark Christopher Congdon and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs were in the convoy from the airport to Banganan.
Mark Hennessy, 40, abducted and killed Jastine, 24, in South Dublin, Ireland. Hennessy was killed in a police operation on May 20.
Three years ago, Jastine moved to Ireland to be with her parents and to complete an accountancy course.
Jastine grew up with her grandmother after her parents migrated to Ireland when she was young.
Jastine was scheduled to return the Philippines on July 2 for a vacation and to attend her cousin’s debut.
Jastine will be laid to rest at the Aritao Public Cemetery on July 2 after her 25th birthday on June 29.