Former Philippines ambassador murdered

Foreign Minister Phil Goff has paid tribute to the former Philippines ambassador to New Zealand, Alicia Ramos, who was murdered in Manila on Sunday.

Mr Goff said Ms Ramos was ambassador for six years, from 1996 to 2002.

"She was a warm, pleasant and likeable person with many good friends in New Zealand," he said in a statement.

"All of us who knew her are devastated by her loss and the circumstances of her death."

Mr Goff said Ms Ramos, 64, was murdered by intruders who broke into her home in Makati, Manila.

- NZPA