14 December 2005 – Ambassador Belen F. Anota of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the first Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) on the murder case against OFW Guen Garlejo Aguilar was held on 6 December 2005 at the Singapore High Court.

Ambassador Anota further reported that the first PTC was followed by the Fifth Court Mention on the case held at the Singapore Subordinate Court No. 26 on 7 December 2005, where a second PTC was set for 17 January 2006, while the Sixth Court Mention was set for 25 January 2006.

Ambassador Anota said that at the PTC, a closed session, the lawyers for both the prosecution and the defense met with the Deputy Public Prosecutor.

Ambassador Anota further said that Mr. Edwin Aguilar, husband of OFW Guen, was present at the Court Mention, accompanied by the Ambassador and other Embassy officials.

Municipal Council Member Ma. Theresa L. Laranang of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, and Mr. Martin Diño, President of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, were also present at the Court Mention.

The Ambassador also added that in response to the Embassy’s request, Edwin was able to visit Guen at the Changi Women’s Prison later in the afternoon.

Ambassador Anota assured the Department that the Embassy will continue to provide assistance to Guen and her family, and will inform the Department of any new developments on the case.  END