By Leslie Ann Aquino An official of the Catholic Church said the Filipino who died in Slovakia sent a powerful message to all what an overseas Filipino worker is. Bishop Ruperto Santos
(CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN) Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Epsicopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, was referring to Filipino financial analyst Henry Acorda who died in Slovakia for protecting his Filipina companion from harassment. "With what Henry Acorda did, we see the true and noble intentions of our OFWs. They came to work, honestly and to help their loved ones and those in need," he said in a statement. Like Henry, the Balanga prelate said our OFWs will always be of service and even ready to "sacrifice" for the good of all. "With Henry defending two women from harassment, reflect our true nature of giving all we have, even our life to improve lives, to defend lives," said Santos. For the CBCP official, Henry did not die in vain because he died a "hero." "His death is powerful message that OFWs migrate not to harm but to help; to serve and to save. OFWs are not a burden but a blessing to all," Santos said. "Henry lived what Jesus preached, 'greater love has no one than this, that he lays down his life for his friends' (John 15,13)," he added. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Acorda, 36, died last week from injuries he sustained after he was brutally assaulted by a local man in Bratislava who he earlier tried to stop from harassing a Filipina companion. Acorda’s death has enraged Slovaks with no less than Prime Minister Peter Pelligrini condemning the incident and ensuring that justice will be served.