The remains of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) couple who drowned in the Maldives have been repatriated to the Philippines on January 19.
Onboard the Etihad Airways flight EY 424, the remains of Leomer and Erika Joyce Lagradilla arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at about 3:21 PM.
Family members, together with officials from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, claimed the remains at the airport.
The couple drowned while having their honeymoon in the Maldives.
The 29-year-old wife and her 30-year-old husband were guests in a resort in Dhiffushi island and were snorkeling when they started drowning.
Both were rescued by resort workers but were pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has earlier instructed its honorary consul in the Maldives to coordinate with police authorities there for the investigation.
Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs promised that they will be shouldering the cost of the repatriation of the remains of the couple back to the Philippines.
The couple’s family member said that the remains will be brought to their final resting place on January 26, 2019.
Their wake will be on the couple’s respective hometowns. Leomer’s wake will be in Lumban, Laguna and Erika’s will be in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
