DFA: No foul play in case of OFW found dead near HK pier --- By LLANESCA T. PANTI, GMA Integrated News

There is no evidence of foul play so far concerning the death of a Filipino woman whose remains were found floating in the water near by Tsing Yi pier in Hong Kong, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Tuesday. DFA Assistant Secretary Paul Cortes was referring to case of the Filipino woman found dead around 6 am last July 13. “According to the initial investigation [of Hong Kong authorities], there is no foul play being looked at. But of course, we have to wait for the official report on the cause of death,” Cortes said during a public briefing. “We have to wait for the official report on the cause of death. But for now, no foul play, and there is no person of interest,” he added. In addition, Cortes said the family and the employer of the Filipino woman found dead were already informed, and that the Philippine government, Hong Kong authorities and the Hong Kong employer of the said overseas Filipino worker will be providing assistance. Cortes said the Hong Kong authorities would need to release the certificate of the cause of death before arrangements can be made for the repatriation of the OFW’s remains. Cortes, however, assured the public that the Hong Kong government is doing everything they can to be of help. “We have full trust and confidence in Hong Kong authorities and such a document will be released at the soonest possible time,” Cortes said. Cortes said that the remains of the OFW were already decomposing when it was noticed by passers by last July 13. In addition, Cortes said the family has requested for privacy amid the tough moment. “The family has requested privacy...no name, no cause of death,” he added. Before her remains were found, the OFW had been missing for days. According to GMA Integrated News’ JP Soriano’s report on “24 Oras” last week, the overseas Filipino worker was said to have asked for leave from her employer so she could go out on her day off on Sunday. The report said the OFW, who had been described as more than 50 years old, never returned home. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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