GI who shot stray animals faces probe

An investigation is underway into the reported shooting of stray animals by American soldiers taking part in the joint RP-US military exercises in Sulu, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Gilberto Asuque said the investigation by the DFA will be separate from an inquiry being conducted by the US Embassy over the reported erratic behavior of American troops participating in the joint military exercise.

Asuque said the US Embassy officials have announced their own investigation and vowed to impose disciplinary action on the erring US troops.

"The DFA will also look into the matter. We need to know the exact details of the incident," he said.

Asuque added the result of the DFA investigation will be submitted to the Legislative Oversight Committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement (LOVFA).

Reports said a US Navy Seal officer, LtSG. Mike Rice, had been witnessed shooting stray animals that had wandered into their quarters on Seit Higad beach last Feb. 10.

Rice continued to shoot stray animals defying repeated admonitions from officials of the Philippine Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 4.

Asuque explained the DFA would deal with concerns arising from the reported incident, stressing all American military personnel participating in joint RP-US military exercises have already been briefed on Filipino culture and sensitivities along with their obligations to obey Philippine laws.

Asuque said the government is hoping the US troops participating in the joint military exercise will continue to adhere to the US Embassy’s advice.

The US Embassy earlier assured that all American troops in joint exercise are made "fully" aware of Filipino culture and customs.

In the "Facts Concerning US Service Members Visiting the Philippines" posted on the US Embassy website, the diplomatic mission said the recent reports in the Philippine media have raised issues regarding rules of behavior for members of the US Armed Forces traveling to the Philippines to participate in the joint military exercise "Balikatan 06."

The US government said the standing orders on visiting US military personnel regarding sexual conduct and prostitution are unequivocal: soliciting a prostitute is a crime and a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the foundation of military law in the United States.

"Solicitation of prostitutes by any US military personnel visiting the Philippines is strictly prohibited," the statement said.

As a policy, no liberty or annual leave is authorized to US Armed Forces personnel participating in "Balikatan 06."

All US military personnel participating in the joint exercise were also reminded of General Order No. 1 for all US servicemen that "each participating American citizen is an informal ambassador in the Philippines, representing the United States. US personnel will treat others with appropriate military courtesy whether on or off duty, in or out of uniform.

"US personnel will be considerate of Philippine customs and will not engage in any behavior, wear any clothing or make any statement which may offend a Filipino," the General Order read.

The American servicemen were also reminded that mutual respect and shared commitment to the protection of the national interests of the two nations was the foundation for the long-lived and excellent cooperation between Philippine and US military and security forces.

"During Balikatan ’06 and all such exercises, the US will continue to assure that its service members obey Philippine law and respect Philippine dignity and sensitivities," the US Embassy said. — Pia Lee-Brago