Jastine Valdez's body expected to be flown home to the Philippines by next week

Update 6.30pm: The body of Jastine Valdez could be flown home to the Philippines by the middle of next week.

Her family released a statement today describing their daughter as fun-loving and wonderful.

The have also thanked the Irish people and Filipino community for their support and compassion, after over €100,000 was raised to help with their expenses.

Earlier: Parents of Jastine Valdez thank Irish people for support

The parents of Jastine Valdez have described their daughter as fun-loving, wonderful, and caring.

Her family have released a statement to thank the Irish people and Philippine community for their support and compassion.

Today her parents Teresita and Danilo released a statement saying it has been some comfort to them knowing how deeply Jastine has affected the people of Ireland and says that she will always be in their hearts.

The body of the young woman was found in south Dublin on Monday after she was kidnapped and murdered.

The statement says the 24-year-old's plans were to settle here, buy a house and make a new life.

Her family have also thanked gardaí and emergency services for their professionalism and speed to return their beautiful daughter to them.

Earlier: Search for evidence continues in Jastine Valdez investigation

The search for evidence that may provide an insight into the murder of Jastine Valdez is continuing in south County Dublin today.

Gardaí and Defence Forces personnel have been searching a rural part of Rathmichael where Jastine's body was located on Monday.

They are hoping to find the student's blue shoulder bag and her iPad.

Gardaí have also been looking at the mobile phone of Mark Hennessy, the man understood to have murdered her.

The search is expected to continue over the coming days.

A public memorial is being planned for Ms Valdez for next week.

She will be laid to rest in her native Phillipines but plans are underway for a service here also.

A Go Fund Me page set up to help her parents has raised more than €121,000 – far surpassing its original target of €10,000.

The average donation is €25.

Digital Desk