The remains of a domestic helper beaten to death in the northern Italian city of Milan on Aug. 6 arrived Thursday afternoon, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. Emilou Verdad, a 40-year-old domestic helper in Milan, was killed allegedly by a Ukrainian as she was leaving her house, according to Consul General in Milan Antonio Morales. She was declared dead on arrival at the hospital after she was beaten by Oleg Fedchenko, whom Morales described as a “frustrated boxer.” Morales said the suspect, who has a history of violence and psychological problems, allegedly told his mother that he will kill the first woman he sees, and chanced upon Verdad. Fedchenko is currently detained in a prison facility in Milan. He earlier requested to be transferred to a mental hospital but his motion was denied, according to Morales. Verdad worked in Milan for 20 years before her death and was an active member of the Filipino community there. In a statement, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Thursday vowed to help Verdad's family. Upon learning of her death, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said she immediately directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide the necessary assistance, particularly the repatriation and airport services for Verdad's remains as she was a regular member of the OWWA at the time of her death. All repatriation expenses were shouldered by OWWA, Baldoz was quoted in a report posted on the DOLE website. The labor secretary said Verdad's husband has also been told of the requirements for the claim of death insurance benefits of P200,000 and the burial assistance of P20,000.
