7 October 2005 – Philippine Ambassador to Abu Dhabi Libran N. Cabactulan reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy facilitated the documentary requirements for the immediate return to Manila of the remains of slain Filipino housewife Mary Ann Wong y Trinidad.    Mary Ann was found dead on 15 September 2005 inside her home in Al Ain.   The suspect in the slaying, Mario Parangalan, is the subject of a manhunt by the Abu Dhabi police.

Ambassador Cabactulan informed the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA)  that the remains of Mrs. Wong arrived at the NAIA at 1:05 p.m., Thursday, 6 October 2005 aboard Gulf Air GF254.      The Embassy also assisted OFW Charles Wong, spouse of Mary Ann, in the documentary and airline requirements for the return of his wife’s remains.

For its part, the OUMWA coordinated with the next of kin of Mary Ann in Manila on the arrangements to secure the release of the cargo from the NAIA.   A representative of the family has already secured the release of the cargo with the remains of Mary Ann.

The DFA-OUMWA would not be releasing further details on this case in view of the on-going investigation by the police and prosecution authorities in Al Ain in Abu Dhabi and the request of the family to respect their privacy and grief over the death of Mary Ann. END