Bishop pays tribute to Filipino killed in Slovakia

Manila: A senior Catholic church leader on Sunday paid tribute to a Filipino worker who died in Slovakia days after he was attacked while defending a woman from harassment.

Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) praised the actions of Henry Acorda, the 36-year-old Filipino who was living in Slovakia.

He died from injuries sustained while defending a Filipino woman who was being assaulted by a local man, believed to be a member of a fascist group, in the capital Bratislava on May 26.

Acorda, who worked as a financial analyst, died five days after the attack.

“With what Henry Acorda did, we see the true and noble intentions of our OFWs [Overseas Filipino Workers]. They came to work, honestly and to help their loved ones and those in need. Like Henry, our OFWs will always be of service and even ready to sacrifice for the good of all,” Bishop Santos said.

“With Henry defending two women from harassment, reflect our true nature of giving all we have, even our life to improve lives, to defend lives,” said Santos.

The senior Catholic priest said Henry did not die in vain because he died a hero.

“His death is powerful message that OFWs migrate not to harm but to help; to serve and to save. OFWs are not a burden but a blessing to all,” Santos said.

According to international news reports, Slovaks likewise mourned the death of Accorda by staging a demonstration on Friday.

Some 3,000 mostly young protesters took to the streets in a memorial rally for Acorda. They were carrying placards carrying the message “Justice for Henry.”

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said the Slovakian government had offered to repatriate the remains of Acorda.

“We would like to thank the Government of Slovakia for its kind gesture of offering to bring home our late kababayan (comptriot) and reuniting him with his loved ones here in the Philippines,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

The suspect is now in detention and is facing manslaughter charges.

Acorda’s death also enraged no less than Prime Minister Peter Pelligrini condemning the incident and assuring that justice will be served.

Reports said Acorda had suffered head injuries.

His assailant could face up to 12 years in prison for manslaughter.