Note:
This was forwarded to us by Bruce Shu of Citigate Dewe Rogerson in Hongkong.
HONG KONG, 12 October 2007 – The family of murdered housekeeper Jocelyn Dulnuan today issued an appeal for any information that could assist the police investigation into Jocelyn’s death.
“During this difficult time, we have been sustained by the love and kindness of so many people. The Filipino community and many others in Toronto have come together to support our family, and we ask the community to turn its attention now to helping the police find Jocelyn’s killer or killers. I beg anyone who knew or had any contact with Jocelyn to speak with the police,” Jocelyn’s mother, Godeliva Dulnuan, said.
Speaking from Hong Kong, where she works as a housekeeper, Mrs Dulnuan, 58, said: “As a Christian family, we do not seek revenge. We simply need to know what happened to Jocelyn. I spoke with her on the phone last Sunday, and on Monday she was dead.”
The police have assured the family that any conversations with members of the public on Jocelyn’s case will be treated in strict confidence and that the focus of the conversations will not include individuals’ immigration status. Jocelyn’s mother and family urge anyone who knew or had any contact with her or who have information on the circumstances of her death to contact the Peel Regional Police Homicide Bureau at +1 (905) 453 2121 ext 3205 or Peel Crime Stoppers at +1 (800) 222 TIPS (8477).
In response to the outpouring of support to help return Jocelyn’s remains to the Philippines, Mrs Dulnuan said: “We are grateful to the Philippine government, the Canadian authorities and our friends in Toronto and elsewhere for their assistance and generosity in providing the funds needed for Jocelyn’s return home.”
Jocelyn is the ninth of 10 siblings from the Dulnuan family of Hingyon in Ifugao province of the Philippines, a region known for its mountainous terrain and rice terraces that have been farmed in much the same way for more than 2,000 years. Jocelyn is also survived by her husband, Sandy Kinnud, and their four-year-old daughter, Kristine Angelique.
Jocelyn’s family and friends remember her as a bright, quiet and sporty girl with a determined and positive attitude. She was dedicated to her studies, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baguio, ironically in criminology, and was a certified criminologist in the Philippines. She chose to go overseas to work as a maid to make a better life for her daughter and siblings.
Arrangements are being made for Jocelyn’s funeral in her home village of Namulditan in Hingyon following her return to the Philippines.
“This is not the homecoming we expected, but it is a homecoming nevertheless,” Mrs Dulnuan said.
Note:
Jocelyn’s mother and family request that all media inquiries be made through Citigate Dewe Rogerson in Hong Kong. The family appreciates journalists’ cooperation in respecting its privacy at this difficult time.
Media contact
Between the hours of 12 noon and 7 pm Toronto time, please contact us by e-mail.
Bruce Shu
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Phone +852 2533 4607
Mobile +852 9132 2906
E-mail bruce.shu@citigate.com.hk
Thanks for the update, kabayan! We anxiously wait for news on what really transpired that fateful day….
Still no info on the employers’ role or as to there whereabouts during date she died.
Are they hiding something or what?
Hi Anitokid,
You’re welcome. I’m with you in hoping that we’ll eventually find out the truth and the perpetrators brought to justice. Thanks.
Hi Trublue,
We really don’t know. Maybe the police told them to not say anything. I think it’s always a challenge to discern how to respond appropriately to situations like this.
We have Imie Belanger and company who responded quite effectively; they organized themselves, got the media, pressured officials, etc.
Then we have consulate officials who responded inappropriately at first by denying responsibility. But we have to give them credit for assuming some responsibility at the end.
So I guess the employers are discerning how to respond publicly. I’d like to believe that they are entitled to that. Thanks.