us marine rape case

Militant groups burn a flag of the United States in front of the US Embassy in Manila to demand the immediate turnover of the four US servicemen involved in a rape case. -- Rem Zamora/ Philippine Daily Inquirer

Warrants issued soon for Marines
From correspondents in Manila
02jan06

WARRANTS of arrest against four US Marines accused of rape are expected to be issued soon, the Philippine Government said today. ... "Philippine sovereignity and criminal justice shall be upheld in all stages," Mr Bunye said. The comments come following local media reports that the US Government would seek to continue having custody of the suspects or might allow some of them to slip out of the country. ... They are in the custody of the US embassy. ... No American soldier charged with rape or any other crime has ever been convicted by a Philippine court and authorities say the new case will test the provisions of the visiting forces agreement (VFA). ....