PHILIPPINES ASKS FOR HELP ON EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS

UNCLAS MANILA 000645 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM EAID RP GM FI UK SP IT NO SW NL SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES ASKS FOR HELP ON EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS REF: A. MANILA 609 (NOTAL) ¶B. MANILA 573 (NOTAL) ¶C. MANILA 468 (NOTAL) ¶1. (SBU) The Department of Foreign Affairs has shared with Embassy copies of letters dated January 31 to the resident Ambassadors of Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands, requesting technical assistance as the Philippine government investigates and tries to resolve extrajudicial and other "unexplained" killings, following recommendations from the Presidentially-appointed Melo Commission (refs). (Full text of identical letters in para 2.) Separately, Norway, which has been unsuccessfully trying to facilitate peace talks between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, privately expressed interest to Pol/C in exploring additional assistance, perhaps financial support to the Philippine Department of Justice's expanded witness protection program. Embassy will continue to consult with counterparts in Manila about possible new assistance from these and other countries, as well as to explain ongoing USG efforts, including expanded aid to the Philippine Commission on Human Rights and strategic reform programs for the military, police, and judiciary. ¶2. (U) Text of request letters quote 31 January 2007 Excellency, In an effort to address the concerns of the international community on the so-called unexplained killings in the Philippines, I have the honor to inform you that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines would welcome any technical assistance that could be extended by the (name of country),to facilitate and expedite the work of the Melo Commission. I wish also to inform Your Excellency that we have conveyed to other EU member-states that we welcome similar assistance, as previously offered during the 28 November 2006 briefing on the matter. It is hoped that, with the various experiences and expertise each government has on such issues, all cases will be resolved soon with due diligence. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. /s/ Albert G. Romulo The Secretary of Foreign Affairs end quote Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http:// www.state.sgov.gov/ KENNEY