Body of relief worker killed in accident during papal visit to be flown to Manila

TACLOBAN CITY - The body of relief worker, Kristel Mae Padasas, who was killed in a freak accident at the Tacloban Airport after Pope Francis celebrated a Mass, will be flown to Manila either Sunday evening or Monday, according to the victim's father.

 

Paulino Padasas Jr. told GMA News Online that the family had received word that Kristel would be flown to Manila by a Philippine Air Force C-130 transport.

 

"Hindi na ako pupuntang Tacloban, ihahatid nalang daw dito," Paulino said.

 

Kristel's remains currently rest at the St. Peter Chapels in Tacloban.

 

Paulino explained  that, on arrival in Manila, the remains will be brought to the Heritage Park in Taguig for the wake.

 

Meanwhile, Kristel's mother, an overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong, will arrive in Manila early Monday morning. Kristel was the only daughter of the Pasadas couple.

 

A Catholic Relief Services (CRS) volunteer, 27-year-old Kristel was working in Samar, but came to Leyte as part of the team that helped prepare the Tacloban Airport site where Pope Francis celebrated Mass.

 

On Saturday, amid strong rain and winds brought by Tropical Storm Amang, scaffolding which held up a speaker used during the Mass collapsed on Kristel, killing her. 

 

Remembered for her good works

 

She was young, brave, and adventurous, Paulino said of his daughter. "Ang tapang-tapang niya, gusto niyang mag-travel, gusto niya sanang ikutin pa ang mundo," he recalled.

 

"Hindi ko talaga gusto siyang umalis noon [papuntang Eastern Samar] kasi baka delikado. Kaso ang tapat niya, parang walang takot," he added.

 

Paulino now takes consolation in that his daughter will be remembered for her good works. "Hindi man siya nakapag-around the world, kumalat naman ang kanyang storya sa buong mundo," he said.

 

On Sunday, Pope Francis met with Paulino. The pontiff embraced him and gave him a rosary. 

 

"I felt comforted noong niyakap niya ako, hindi ko inakalang gagawin niya 'yon, tapos binigyan pa niya ako ng rosary," Paulino said later.

 

During his address to the youth at the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, Pope Francis led a moment of silence and a prayer for Kristel.

 

"I would like all of you, young people like her, to offer a moment in silence with me... then we pray to our Lady in heaven," Pope Francis said to the crowd.

 

Meanwhile, Paulino said that the family has received financial help, a cash donation, from  the government. — DVM, GMA News