Remains of slain OFW arrive at NAIA

The remains of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was killed in a bar brawl in Singapore arrived in Manila yesterday afternoon.

The body of interior designer Antonio Austria, 35, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal on board Philippine Airlines flight PR-502 at 1:08 p.m. from Singapore via Jakarta, Indonesia.

Escorting the body were the victim’s family and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration representatives.

Lolita Bayron, sister-in-law of the victim, and a resident of Singapore, earlier said Austria had a fight with a bartender at the Orange and Bananas Pub along East Coast Road, Singapore.

The fight occurred at around 3 a.m. last Jan. 1 and resulted in the victim’s throat being cut. OWWA said that based on reports, the suspect was arrested in Singapore.

The reports added that President Arroyo thanked Singaporean authorities for solving the murder, two days after the incident took place during the New Year’s Day celebration in the city state.

Arroyo has expressed her condolences to the family of the victim. Austria died early Thursday morning after suffering cuts on his neck. – Sandy Araneta