June 9, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/164516/Body-found-in-Jeddah-could-be-of-Pinay-OFW

Body found in Jeddah could be of Pinay OFW
06/09/2009 07:41 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi police has asked the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah to help identify a female corpse that they said had the features of a Filipina.

In a letter to the consulate, police said the corpse was stuffed inside a bag and dumped in a company compound in the Ruwais district of Jeddah at about 5 p.m. on May 17.

Investigator in charge Khalid Alshaharani said the victim was in her early 20s, with fair complexion, about 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed about 40 to 45 kilograms.

Alshaharani said the woman did not carry any identification document. He did not mention the possible cause of the victim’s death, but said she may have been murdered because her face was intentionally disfigured beyond recognition.

The investigator said, however, that the woman’s fingerprints can still be used for the investigation.Some Filipinos who were living near the crime scene have reportedly been rounded up and questioned.

They were released after a few days.In Saudi Arabia, it is standard operating procedure for the police to detain for questioning anyone who may be linked to a crime. Suspects are sometimes held for days or weeks until they can prove their innocence.

Consul General Ezzedin Tago expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for asking the consulate for help. He said they will cooperate with the police so that the woman may immediately be identified.

Alshaharani encouraged Filipinos with relatives in Jeddah who may have suddenly gone missing in the past three weeks to get in touch with the Philippine Consulate.

The consulate may be reached at +966555219613 o +96626600348. Look for Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco or Consul Leo Tito L. Ausan Jr. - Ronaldo Concha, with Kim Tan, GMANews.TV