Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MANILA2085
2006-05-16 09:11:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manila
Cable title:
MARINE CASE UPDATE 5/16/06
how-toVZCZCXYZ0014 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHML #2085 1360911 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 160911Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY MANILA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1032 INFO RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002085
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/16/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP
SUBJECT: MARINE CASE UPDATE 5/16/06
REF: MANILA 1968 AND PREVIOUS
Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002085
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/16/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP
SUBJECT: MARINE CASE UPDATE 5/16/06
REF: MANILA 1968 AND PREVIOUS
Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (U) Pre-trial hearings continue in the case of four U.S.
Marines accused of raping a Filipina. At a pre-trial hearing
on May 11, Judge Pozon received a Motion for Clarification of
the one-year time-limit for judicial proceedings specified in
the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
--------------
MISSION SUPPORT
--------------
2. (SBU) On May 8, Ambassador met with SSgt Chad Carpentier,
LCpl Daniel Smith, LCpl Dominic Duplantis, and LCpl Keith
Silkwood in their quarters on the Chancery property.
Following that meeting, the Embassy working group on the case
met and recommended additional duties and projects to help
maintain positive morale through further activities and
exercise. DCM approved several new activities and increased
access to exercise equipment, and directed the working group
to continue to review the Marines' welfare and to continue to
look for appropriate ways to support morale. Also during the
week of May 8, DCM and Public Affairs Officer continued to
background the local media to educate them on the VFA and how
the current process is conforming to VFA requirements.
--------------
NEXT STEPS
--------------
3. (C) Ambassador and DCM continue to dialogue discretely
with senior GRP officials to maintain their focus on this
case. We stress the importance of respecting the Marines
legal and human rights; the need for a transparent,
efficient, and fair judicial process; and the significance of
continuing support for the VFA as a cornerstone of USG-GRP
bilateral relations. We continue to hear, including from our
most important interlocutors, that the case is moving
normally through the judicial system, despite sometimes
sensationalist media reporting. We have quietly relayed U.S.
views on the one-year period (ref A),and will report GRP
reactions.
Kenney
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/16/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP
SUBJECT: MARINE CASE UPDATE 5/16/06
REF: MANILA 1968 AND PREVIOUS
Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (U) Pre-trial hearings continue in the case of four U.S.
Marines accused of raping a Filipina. At a pre-trial hearing
on May 11, Judge Pozon received a Motion for Clarification of
the one-year time-limit for judicial proceedings specified in
the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
--------------
MISSION SUPPORT
--------------
2. (SBU) On May 8, Ambassador met with SSgt Chad Carpentier,
LCpl Daniel Smith, LCpl Dominic Duplantis, and LCpl Keith
Silkwood in their quarters on the Chancery property.
Following that meeting, the Embassy working group on the case
met and recommended additional duties and projects to help
maintain positive morale through further activities and
exercise. DCM approved several new activities and increased
access to exercise equipment, and directed the working group
to continue to review the Marines' welfare and to continue to
look for appropriate ways to support morale. Also during the
week of May 8, DCM and Public Affairs Officer continued to
background the local media to educate them on the VFA and how
the current process is conforming to VFA requirements.
--------------
NEXT STEPS
--------------
3. (C) Ambassador and DCM continue to dialogue discretely
with senior GRP officials to maintain their focus on this
case. We stress the importance of respecting the Marines
legal and human rights; the need for a transparent,
efficient, and fair judicial process; and the significance of
continuing support for the VFA as a cornerstone of USG-GRP
bilateral relations. We continue to hear, including from our
most important interlocutors, that the case is moving
normally through the judicial system, despite sometimes
sensationalist media reporting. We have quietly relayed U.S.
views on the one-year period (ref A),and will report GRP
reactions.
Kenney