DFA working to repatriate slain Pinoy’s remains

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating with Australian authorities on the killing and repatriation of the remains of a Filipino in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

Consul General to Sydney Ezzedin Tago said the Consulate General is in touch with local authorities, including Wagga Wagga police, to obtain additional information on the death and repatriation of the victim’s remains once relevant reports and local requirements are completed.

The DFA did not provide the identity of the Filipino. However, reports identified the victim as Mhelody Polan Bruno, 25, who was killed while on vacation.

She was set to return to the country on Sept. 28. 

The DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs and the Philippine consulate in Sydney said they are ready to provide further assistance to family of the victim. 

Reports said Bruno, who worked as a call center in Makati City, was raped before she was killed on Sept. 22. An Australian was reported to have been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Bruno’s death.