DFA to shoulder repatriation of drowned Filipino couple in the Maldives

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reportedly promised to shoulder the repatriation of the remains of a Filipino newlywed couple who died during their honeymoon in the Maldives, a friend of the couple said.

“At around 9:52 pm, Mhapz Lagradilla, sister of Leomer, informed us that they had a positive meeting with the DFA today. Accordingly, DFA will shoulder the expenses in sending Eka [Erika] and Leomer’s remains back home,” the couple’s friend Nikko Quiogue said in a Facebook post on Monday.

https://www.facebook.com/nikko.quiogue/posts/10210874390650580?_rdc=1&_rdr

Erika and Leomer Lagradilla’s honeymoon turned in to tragedy after they drowned while reportedly snorkeling at Dhiffushi Island on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the DFA shared on Tuesday a photo from the meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. and the families of the couple.

“Secretary Locsin condoles with next-of-kin of Filipino couple who drowned in the Maldives, and assures them of the assistance of the DFA in the repatriation of their remains,” the caption read.

PHOTO: Secretary Locsin condoles with next-of-kin of Filipino couple who drowned in the Maldives, and assures then of the assistance of the DFA in the repatriation of their remains.#DFAinACTION pic.twitter.com/FulUGyhaVU

— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) January 15, 2019

Prior to the meeting, the family and friends of the couple were raising funds to be used to bring home the newlyweds’ remains. But with DFA’s assistance, they decided to stop the fundraising meant for the repatriation.

“We would like to let you know that we have decided to stop accepting donations as we believe that due to the mentioned optimistic progress of this case, we no longer serve the purpose of creating a fundraising campaign anymore. We can now have something to hold onto knowing that there’s a hopeful promise from our govt’s end,” Quiogue said.

“We are beyond grateful for your donations for our beloved friends, Leomer and Eka. We [couldn’t] believe that our love for them has transcended various platforms of communications. Rest assured that all proceeds will be given to the family of Eka and Leomer,” Quiogue added.

In a statement on Monday, the DFA said the Filipino couple drowned while they were on their honeymoon in the Maldives. Both of them were reportedly rescued by resort workers, but were pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. /muf

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