The remains of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Henry John Acorda who beaten to death in Bratislava, Slovakia arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 19.
The body of OFW was airlifted by Slovak government Airbus aircraft.
His mother and two siblings were also aboard the aircraft.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, his wife, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Hans Leo Cacdac, and Acorda’s relatives and friends welcomed the OFW’s remains at the airport.
Cayetano said a hero’s welcome for Acorda is being prepared by Taguig City where he originally lived.
“Yun ang aming balita kasi unang-una mahal siya sa community. Pangalawa nabalitaan nung mga taga-Taguig ‘yung heroism na ginawa niya,” Cayetano said.
Acorda’s remains will be brought to Arlington Memorial Chapels & Crematory before it is transferred to Heritage Park for the wake.
The Philippine government has promised financial assistance for Acorda’s family.
“Tuloy-tuloy kaming makikipag-usap sa pamilya kung paano pa kami makakatulong,” the foreign affairs secretary said.
Acorda was beaten to death by suspect Juraj Hossu at Business Street in downtown Bratislava, Slovakia, in the early hours of May 26.
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The Filipino was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on May 31, five days after the incident, at the University Hospital Ruźjnov after sustaining fatal injuries.
While being escorted from court, the suspect said he “will be sorry for what happened for the rest of my life. But I don’t remember anything.”
The suspect faces manslaughter charges, punishable by seven to 12 years in prison.
Acorda’s family, however, continues to appeal to court to elevate the charges to murder.
Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini has also said that justice needs to be served for the OFW immediately.
“I hope we will not witness a situation where there will be no effective ruling one year from now,” Pellegrini said.
