RP clears US ship of human-waste dumping allegation

The ship, which was fined 10,000 dollars for the violation, had taken part in joint exercises with Filipino sailors which officially ended Wednesday.
But the foreign office's Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACOM) which investigated the issue said there was no conclusive evidence against the USS Russel.
"It cannot be ascertained if the wastes came from the USS Russel or whether it was washed down the shore due to inclement weather and coincidentally swept by the said of the US vessel," VFACOM executive director Zosimo Paredes.
Investigation also showed human waste aboard US military ships was processed before being disposed properly, and not just jettisoned onto the waters.
"With inconclusive evidence and facts, the SBMA thought it just to withdraw the complaints," Paredes said.
Subic, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Manila, was a US naval base until it was shut down in 1992. It has been transformed into a freeport and tourist
attraction. American naval ships routinely visit the area.

Updated 10:11am (Mla time) Aug 06, 2004 Agence France-Presse
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