Funeral procession, candle lighting for slain German set tomorrow

FRIENDS, fellow volunteers and the girlfriend of slain German tourist Heinrich “Henry” Haffner will hold a funeral procession and candle lighting  at 4 p.m. tomorrow in Cebu City.

The public is invited to join.

Sheila Jane Gimutao, Haffner’s girlfriend, said the  activity will honor  Haffner as well as  raise awareness of Cebu as a safe place  for foreign visitors.

“The shooting incident is a lesson learned.  But we want  others to know that Cebu is still a good  and peaceful place to live in,” she told Cebu Daily News.

The funeral convoy will start from the Rolling Hills Cebu Chapel and  pass along Osmeña Boulevard, R. Landon St., D.  Jakosalem St., General Maxilom Ave. and Fuente Osmeña Circle.

Other supporters will gather in front of the Capitol and walk to Fuente Osmeña for a candle-lighting activity and speeches.

Gimutao said a fellow volunteer of  the Philippine Red Cross, American  Brent Engel suggested the activity to her and is organizing it.  Engel is a close friend of the couple.

Arrangements

Gimutao meanwhile said she was busy processing paperwork and coordinating  with the German consul.

“Helping and supporting Sheila through the process of handing the affairs of a deceased loved one is something I wanted to do,” said Engel.

“It reminded me of when my mother passed away and going through the same process on my own. No one should be alone in a situation like this.” Engel said.

Engel said the shooting should not taint the image of Cebu, the Philippines, or Filipinos.

“It’s not something a place or peoples should be defined by, nationally or internationally. That’s something that should be made clear. I  still trust Cebu and I don’t question my safety any more after this event,” Engel told Cebu Daily News.

Gimutao encouraged those joining the procession to carry a lighted  candle as the funeral convoy passes by.

“This event is also  for his friends who can’t send him off to Germany since his remains will be transported home as soon as possible. Anytime this week, we will have a tentative schedule from the consulate,” Gumitao said.

Haffner’s parents won’t come to Cebu. Instead, Gumitao will go to Germany to accompany his remains.