Repatriation of Iggy's remains set on Feb. 3
Posted at 02/02/2012 10:35 AM | Updated as of 02/02/2012 11:31 PM
LONDON - No one from the Philippine Embassy in London would dare to talk about the preparations for the arrival of Aleli Arroyo, the legal wife of the late congressman Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.
At a closed-door meeting, an agreement was reached to extend assistance to two warring factions -- Aleli and Grace Ibuna, Arroyo's partner -- who are both aiming to bring home the remains of the late congressman.
Consul General Bernie Fernandez was tasked to oversee the camp of Mrs. Arroyo, and Deputy Chief of Mission Rey Catapang for the group of Ibuna.
In a statement the other day, Iggy's Bianca insisted she was tasked to take care of the funeral and repatriation plans. Bianca, Iggy’s eldest daughter with his first wife Marilyn Jacinto, supports Ibuna.
The embassy clarified there will be no departure honors for the 61-year-old lawmaker.
The embassy, thru the Assistance to Nationals office, is processing all the required documents for repatriation.
However, the embassy will not decide which group should accompany the body back home.
To possibly defuse tension, Ambassador Ricky Manalo is expected to make a statement that will govern the repatriation policy for the late congressman.
The repatriation is set for tomorrow (February 3).
The lawmaker passed away on January 26.
(CORRECTION: The title of this story when first uploaded, "Claims over Iggy's remains divide embassy" is erroneous and not supported by the body of the article written by Mr. Danny Buenafe. The title was also not his. Our apologies to the embassy and to Mr. Buenafe. -- ABS-CBNnews.com editors)
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