MARINE CASE: FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE VERDICT

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 004864 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2016 TAGS: PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP SUBJECT: MARINE CASE: FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE VERDICT REF: MANILA 4810 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: DCM Paul W. Jones for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) The verdict in the case of four U.S. Marines accused of involvement in the alleged rape of a Filipina is expected on the afternoon of Monday, December 4. The DCM will call State Operations Center as soon as a verdict is rendered, and again after the Embassy Working Group, together with military representatives, has met following the verdict to confirm which Marines may have been acquitted and thus will depart the Philippines. ¶2. (C) The Embassy's Working Group, with input from representatives of the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), has finalized post-verdict plans to ensure the safety of the four accused Marines. Makati Regional Trial Court Security officers told Embassy RSO that the presiding Judge, Benjamin Pozon, will permit cameras into the courtroom to carry the verdict on live television. Judge Pozon will also open attendance for Monday's verdict to all "interested" parties, including press and NGO representatives. RSO is assisting with screening procedures at the court. Large crowds, including protesters, are expected outside the courthouse, and may also form near the Embassy. ¶3. (C) Officials from the office of the Makati Regional Trial Court Security Officer-in-Charge and the Makati City police have agreed to Embassy requests for additional security personnel on December 4 to ensure the safety of the Marines and a secure, timely exit from the courthouse. At least 100 uniformed police will be present to assist. ¶4. (C) Immediately following the judge's verdict, RSO will escort all four of the Marines to the Embassy. Any Marines acquitted will then be transported via a U.S. military aircraft directly to Okinawa. (The aircraft is due to arrive Sunday, December 3.) Embassy facilitators will pre-position at the airport to assist any acquitted Marines' departure from the Philippines. Any Marines found guilty will remain in Embassy custody, pending their planned appeals. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm KENNEY