Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MANILA645
2007-02-27 08:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Manila
Cable title:  

PHILIPPINES ASKS FOR HELP ON EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS

Tags:  PREL PHUM EAID RP GM FI UK SP IT NO SW NL 
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FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5442
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN IMMEDIATE 0391
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RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE 3438
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RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
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)

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

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KENNEY