DFA confirms death of missing Filipina student in Ireland

MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, May 22, confirmed the death of Jastine Vadez, a 24-year-old Filipina student in Ireland who was earlier reported kidnapped.

Authorities found the body of Valdez, an accountancy student, in South County Dublin on Monday following a massive search that began after her disappearance.

As per the agency, the Philippine Embassy in London and the Honorary Consulate in Dublin have been monitoring the case and have been in touch with authorities since Valdez’s family reported her missing on Saturday evening.

Citing reports from the Honorary Consulate, Ambassador to London Antonio Lagdameo said Valdez had just left her home in Wicklow County when she was abducted by a 40-year-old local man. Police tracked down the vehicle on Sunday and fatally shot the suspect.

At present, Irish authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the abduction and murder.

Lagdameo said Honorary Consul Mark Congdon will be discussing with the family on the possible assistance the department may be able to extend.

The envoy said Congdon joined members of the Filipino Community in Dublin for prayer services for Valdez on Monday. Another prayer service is scheduled today (Tuesday) in Wicklow. In a statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also extended sympathies to the bereaved family of Valdez.

“We grieve with the loved ones of Jastine Valdez, someone so young and so full of promise, who was suddenly taken away from them,” Cayetano said.

“We join the rest of the Filipino Community in Ireland in offering our prayers for Jastine and her family.” he added.