10 September 2005 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Belen F. Anota today informed Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Rafael Seguis, through Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jose Brillantes, of the violent death of a Filipina and the subsequent arrest of the suspect, also a Filipina.    At the same time, Ambassador Anota said Embassy officers are now arranging for the settlement of the outstanding salaries and benefits of the deceased OFW as well as the eventual repatriation of her remains.

Ambassador Anota reported to the Department that Singapore authorities found on 9 September 2005 the  remains of the OFW that were wrapped in separate plastic bags and disposed at the Orchard Road MRT and MacRitchie Reservoir.   The Ambassador added that the police conducted initial post mortem on the body of a deceased who was identified as a Filipina on the basis of fingerprints taken.   The Ambassador said that the post mortem will continue until Monday as required by coroners and to complete other tests.

Ambassador Anota further reported that within 12 hours from the discovery of the body, a suspect, also a Filipina, was arrested by police authorities who are now in the process of taking down her initial statement.   The Ambassador informed the Department that the Embassy has arranged for the services of a lawyer to ensure that the rights of the suspect under Singapore laws are properly recognized and respected.

The Ambassador said the suspect will eventually be assigned two lawyers by the Registrar of the Supreme Court.   The suspect is scheduled to be charged in court tomorrow and the Embassy will ensure that the lawyer is present at the hearing to oversee the proceedings for both the deceased and the suspect, Ambassador Anota reported to the Department.

At the same time, the Ambassador said that Minister and Consul Maria Lumen Isleta and OWWA Welfare Officer Christabel de Leon will now visit the suspect at the detention center after a permission was given by the authorities.     The Embassy officers will also coordinate with the employer of the deceased OFW for the payment of outstanding salaries and benefits as well as the repatriation of the remains upon completion of the investigation and court proceedings.

Ambassador Anota has requested the Department not to disclose yet names of the deceased Filipina and the accused until the next of kin of both Filipino nationals have been notified of the incident and of the actions taken by the Embassy.   The Ambassador also requested that the name of the accused be withheld until after she is charged in court.

Ambassador Anota said the Embassy will continue to update the Department on this case.  The Department will provide additional information as soon as they are available from the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. END