A Filipina found dead floating in a river in Sabah, Malaysia a week ago was a possible homicide victim, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.
In a statement, the department expressed condolences to the bereaved family of Madelyn Bernardo Asuncion, whose body was found in the Pengalan River in Melalap, Malaysia by a plantation worker on Nov. 28.
Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said authorities have informed the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur that there was enough evidence to classify the case as a possible homicide.
The Embassy is waiting for the official report of the incident and the result of the autopsy from authorities.
Asuncion, who had been staying with her father in Malaysia for the past 10 years, was originally from Zamboanga City.
According to the DFA, her father assisted authorities in identifying her remains. She was identified through a tattoo on her thigh, a report on GMA News TV said Friday. Her body was found disrobed and with stab wounds. Her hair was also shaved.
The Zamboanga-based relatives of Asuncion, who was 30 years old, are asking for justice and for assistance in bringing her remains home.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration promised to help Asuncion’s family despite her application to OWWA expiring in 2016.