Vice mayor appeals for fair trial on Subic rape case
VICE Mayor Beng Climaco has appealed to United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney to help ensure a fair trial for the celebrated Subic rape case, involving a Zamboanguena lass and six American servicemen.
The vice mayor personally conveyed the message to the lady ambassador during the latter's visit to Zamboanga City and Basilan recently. The two ladies had the chance to compare notes on various issues during their brief meeting at City Hall.
Vice Mayor Climaco said a fair trial would mean justice for the 23-year old victim from Zamboanga City.
The incident allegedly happened November 1st, 2005 inside a van in Subic in Olongapo City where Nicole had her vacation with a lady cousin. The suspects are now under the custody of the US Embassy in Manila based on the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
According to the Vice Mayor, the city government through Mayor Celso Lobregat has provided assistance to the victim's family as they prepare for the much trial of the case in Manila.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) it is recalled has allowed the transfer of the case from Olongpo to Manila last month.
The city's Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point led by Climaco and the National Council of Women of the Philippines-Zamboanga chapter under Mercy Arquiza have jointly issued a statement manifesting support to the victim's quest for justice.
The group has also requested the Office of the President, the DOJ, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Foreign Affairs and all other agencies concerned for appropriate and immediate assistance to Nicole "in order to ensure a speedy prosecution and conviction of the accused in the said case in accordance with due process.
The American ambassador, meanwhile, was very receptive to the appeal of the vice mayor and promised to do all she can to ensure that justice would be given to the victim.
As this developed, the vice mayor's office has been facilitating against domestic violence, incest and abuse on women and children in coordination with the Women and Child Protection Unit at the Zamboanga City Medical Center as well as the women's desk at the City Police office.
Climaco's recommendation for the ZCMC to waive fees for medical examination and laboratory tests for victims of rape and other abuses was approved and is now being implemented. It is also through the efforts of the vice mayor that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Zamboanga chapter through lawyers Clarence Sotto and Rose Broce is providing legal assistance to the victims.
"We are very thankful we have conscientious police and concerned prosecutors. However much has to be done to improve the process but we're looking into this," the vice mayor added. Sun Star
The vice mayor personally conveyed the message to the lady ambassador during the latter's visit to Zamboanga City and Basilan recently. The two ladies had the chance to compare notes on various issues during their brief meeting at City Hall.
Vice Mayor Climaco said a fair trial would mean justice for the 23-year old victim from Zamboanga City.
The incident allegedly happened November 1st, 2005 inside a van in Subic in Olongapo City where Nicole had her vacation with a lady cousin. The suspects are now under the custody of the US Embassy in Manila based on the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
According to the Vice Mayor, the city government through Mayor Celso Lobregat has provided assistance to the victim's family as they prepare for the much trial of the case in Manila.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) it is recalled has allowed the transfer of the case from Olongpo to Manila last month.
The city's Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point led by Climaco and the National Council of Women of the Philippines-Zamboanga chapter under Mercy Arquiza have jointly issued a statement manifesting support to the victim's quest for justice.
The group has also requested the Office of the President, the DOJ, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Foreign Affairs and all other agencies concerned for appropriate and immediate assistance to Nicole "in order to ensure a speedy prosecution and conviction of the accused in the said case in accordance with due process.
The American ambassador, meanwhile, was very receptive to the appeal of the vice mayor and promised to do all she can to ensure that justice would be given to the victim.
As this developed, the vice mayor's office has been facilitating against domestic violence, incest and abuse on women and children in coordination with the Women and Child Protection Unit at the Zamboanga City Medical Center as well as the women's desk at the City Police office.
Climaco's recommendation for the ZCMC to waive fees for medical examination and laboratory tests for victims of rape and other abuses was approved and is now being implemented. It is also through the efforts of the vice mayor that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Zamboanga chapter through lawyers Clarence Sotto and Rose Broce is providing legal assistance to the victims.
"We are very thankful we have conscientious police and concerned prosecutors. However much has to be done to improve the process but we're looking into this," the vice mayor added. Sun Star
posted by OlongapoCity Zambales at
7:56 AM
1 Comments:
Based on this article, the Americans are guilty even before proven so.
By
Anonymous, at 4/16/2006 1:41 AM
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