Still no date set for return of Iggy Arroyo body

REMAINS OF THE DAY Aleli Arroyo files a petition for a temporary restraining order against Grace Ibuna for custody of the late Rep. Ignacio Arroyo’s body in a Quezon City court on Tuesday. RICHARD REYES

BACOLOD CITY—A date has not been set yet for the return of the remains of Negros Occidental Representative Ignacio Arroyo to the Philippines after the United Kingdom High Court on Monday granted his partner, Grace Ibuna, and daughter, Bernardina Arroyo-Tantoco, custody of his remains.

In a text message, Ibuna said she was winding up details with her solicitor and barrister on the return of Arroyo’s remains.

Arroyo’s family and friends, however, hoped it would be soon.

The congressman, who was battling cirrhosis of the liver, died in London on January 26, but a battle over the custody of his body between Ibuna and his second wife, Aleli Arroyo, has delayed its return.

Arroyo left Aleli in June 2006 and up to the time of his death in London was being cared for by Ibuna.

He was to be buried beside his mother at the family mausoleum in North Cemetery in Manila.

On Tuesday, his sister, Marilou Arroyo, said she still did not know when her brother’s remains would be brought home, but she hoped it would be soon.

Respect daughters’ wishes

“We have been getting our news from television. We have no legal right over the matter,” Marilou said.

“I am sure his three daughters will do what is right for their father. We will respect what they want,” she added.

Board Member Melvin Ibañez (fifth district), a close friend of the lawmaker, said he had not been informed yet about the date when the remains of Arroyo would be brought to the country.

“We do not know if there will be further legal delays when the body arrives in Manila and whether it will still be brought to the fifth district of Negros Occidental before the burial at the North Cemetery in Manila beside his mother,” Ibañez said.

He said Arroyo’s friends and supporters were hoping that his remains would be returned to the Philippines soon and that he would be allowed a dignified burial.