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Husband Of Filipina Killed In Slovenia Now Prime Suspect, Says DFA
Photo credit: Marvil Facturan - Kocjančič
The husband of Filipina migrant Marvil Facturan has been named the prime suspect in her death while on vacation in Slovenia. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Monday that Mitja Kocjancic, Facturan's spouse, is now detained by authorities following an alleged altercation that led to the fatal incident.
“It is the husband who is the prime suspect, after they had a fight. Now he is under custody,” shared a DFA official, shedding light on the unfolding case. Ambassador Evangeline Lourdes Arroyo Bernas elaborated, stating, “From the reports gathered by the police, it was heard that a fight escalated into the stabbing of the victim. When the police entered the apartment, the victim was already lifeless.”
The incident occurred on December 29 in Bled, Slovenia, where the newlywed couple had been vacationing. According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Facturan had left the Philippines on a tourist visa, bypassing the agency’s mandatory training typically required for Filipinos marrying foreign nationals.
The CFO’s spokesperson explained, “We conduct counseling for the spouses of foreign nationals where we review the foreign spouse’s background and issue a certificate for their departure. We check for any criminal records or other concerns that may necessitate additional counseling for the Filipina. Unfortunately, she did not go through this route.”
As the investigation continues, the DFA has assured the victim’s family that they are closely monitoring the case and working diligently to repatriate Facturan’s remains. Ambassador Bernas emphasized their commitment, stating, “Our primary focus is to ensure the repatriation of the victim’s remains and, secondly, to seek justice. We are in constant coordination with the Slovenian authorities.”
With the autopsy completed and the embassy in touch with Facturan's mother, efforts are underway to bring her remains home within two weeks. The DFA remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for Facturan, ensuring that the case receives the attention it deserves both in the Philippines and Slovenia.
“It is the husband who is the prime suspect, after they had a fight. Now he is under custody,” shared a DFA official, shedding light on the unfolding case. Ambassador Evangeline Lourdes Arroyo Bernas elaborated, stating, “From the reports gathered by the police, it was heard that a fight escalated into the stabbing of the victim. When the police entered the apartment, the victim was already lifeless.”
The incident occurred on December 29 in Bled, Slovenia, where the newlywed couple had been vacationing. According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Facturan had left the Philippines on a tourist visa, bypassing the agency’s mandatory training typically required for Filipinos marrying foreign nationals.
The CFO’s spokesperson explained, “We conduct counseling for the spouses of foreign nationals where we review the foreign spouse’s background and issue a certificate for their departure. We check for any criminal records or other concerns that may necessitate additional counseling for the Filipina. Unfortunately, she did not go through this route.”
As the investigation continues, the DFA has assured the victim’s family that they are closely monitoring the case and working diligently to repatriate Facturan’s remains. Ambassador Bernas emphasized their commitment, stating, “Our primary focus is to ensure the repatriation of the victim’s remains and, secondly, to seek justice. We are in constant coordination with the Slovenian authorities.”
With the autopsy completed and the embassy in touch with Facturan's mother, efforts are underway to bring her remains home within two weeks. The DFA remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for Facturan, ensuring that the case receives the attention it deserves both in the Philippines and Slovenia.
Jan 14, 2025
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