13 September 2005 – Mr. Hermoso A. Belarmino, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy is now following up with PNG police authorities on the investigation regarding the slaying of Ms. Fely Quinitio Iki, a former Filipino, who was fatally attacked on 6 September 2005 at her home by two men with bush knives.

Mr. Belarmino said the Papuan police are still trying to establish the motive behind her murder.    He added that based on the police report, Ms. Iki was attacked as she was entering her home and died of deep wounds inflicted across her face.

Mr. Belarmino further reported that Ms. Iki became a naturalized citizen of Papua New Guinea in 1995.  Mr. Belarmino added that Ms. Iki’s 17-year-old daughter wants her mother to be buried beside her father in Port Moresby.   The father died last year.

In response to this report, the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs has already informed Ms. Iki’s next-of-kin in the Philippines of the news.

Mr. Belarmino assured the Department that the Embassy will continue to monitor the case and report further developments.  END