RP getting woman lawyer for Pinay rape victim in Japan

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government will get the service of a female lawyer to help in the case filed by a Filipina against a US serviceman who allegedly raped her in Okinawa, Japan last February.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. said that the lawyer will be involved in the civil liability case that will be filed against the American military personnel after the prosecution by public prosecutors.

“The Embassy in Japan is trying to get the services of a female lawyer so we’ll be able to have legal advice on how to proceed,” Conejos said in a press briefing.

Under Japanese law, Conejos said only public prosecutors are involved in the prosecution.

“Towards the end is the civil liability case. This is where our private lawyer will pursue the claims,” he said.

Conejos raised with officials of the Japanese embassy in Manila the rape case and asked for an update on the matter.

Embassy officials said the investigation is still continuing.

Okinawa is home to half of more than 40,000 American troops stationed in Japan.

The alleged assault on the Filipina is the second rape incident involving an American serviceman in Okinawa this year.

Last February, police detained a US Marine for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in Okinawa, a case that stirred outrage across Japan.

The US military said it is investigating the alleged rape incident, which was revealed a day after it imposed a curfew on troops and their family members to stem public anger in Japan.     – Pia Lee-Brago