US cable: US pleased with Phl's handling of Subic rape case

MANILA, Philippines - The United States was pleased with the Philippine government’s handling of the Subic rape case of a Filipina involving six US Marines on Nov. 1, 2005, according to cable published by whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks.

The US diplomatic cable revealed by WikiLeaks said former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had expressed appreciation to visiting diplomat Eric John and Charge d’Affaires Paul Jones on Nov. 11, 2005 for the US government’s cooperation in the investigation of US Marines, but warned of a political firestorm if the soldiers left the country.

John responded by assuring Arroyo that the US viewed with “great seriousness” the alleged rape case.

John said to ensure continued close cooperation, both US and Filipino officials should avoid “surprises,” maintain control over comments to the press, and postpone any discussion of changes to custody or jurisdiction to allow the investigation to take its course.

“Thus far, however, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission have acted responsibly, despite the turmoil,” stated the cable sent by Jones to Washington.

Former US ambassador Kristie Kenney said Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith departed from the Philippines in April 2009 after receiving his copy of the Court of Appeals decision acquitting him of the crime of rape and the Philippine government was “fully” posted and properly informed of his departure.