Guen Aguilar, however, had not yet been granted access to lawyers and family members because police investigations were still underway, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, assuring a "thorough and fair" probe would be carried out.

Aguilar, 29, has been charged with murder, a crime punishable by hanging, for the killing of fellow maid Jane La Puebla, whose head and limbs were found in Singapore's Orchard Road shopping district on September 9. A torso suspected to be La Puebla's was found at a nature park.

"Guen Garlejo Aguilar is treated no differently from any other suspect or accused person who has been charged with a similar offence," the ministry said in a statement.

"Any accused person under police custody is accorded proper facilities and treated humanely, including provisions for personal hygiene, food, water and access to medical treatment if needed."

Aguilar would return to the Subordinate Court on Friday when police were expected to say whether their investigation had been completed, said Shashi Nathan, a defence lawyer hired by the Philippine government.

He said he would seek access to Aguilar.

Philippine ambassador Belen Anota meanwhile tried to calm emotions in the Philippines and the local Filipino community because of parallels with a case in 1995 that led to a severe falling-out between the two countries.

"I appeal for sobriety from everyone and not to come to rash conclusions on the basis of media reports or stories being circulated around," she said.

"Let's all exercise patience and let us allow the wheels of justice to run its course. Singapore has its own legal and judicial system."

She said Aguilar's husband Edwin would be flown to Manila to attend the hearing. Aguilar is a mother of two from Ilocos Sur province north of Manila and her case has drawn intense attention in the Philippines.

Two pathologists from the Philippines were to witness the autopsy of victim La Puebla's remains, which would be repatriated after the investigation.

Aguilar's case comes 10 years after a Filipina maid, Flor Contemplacion, was hanged in Singapore for murdering another Filipina maid and a four-year-old Singaporean boy, triggering a bitter diplomatic row with most Filipinos insisting she was innocent.

Relations have since normalized and Singapore is now a major investor in the Philippines, which in turn is a growing source of tourists for Singapore along with workers and professionals.

                                                      Home