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RP for impartial probe into new rape charges
MANILA, Philippines—The Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement on Thursday called for an impartial investigation into allegations by a 22-year-old university student that she was raped by an American soldier.
“It is unfortunate that this issue is being reported just now, one month after the alleged incident took place,” Undersecreatry Edilberto Adan, who heads the commission, said in a statement sent to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Adan said the commission will coordinate with the police.
“It is the right of any crime victim to file a complaint with police authorities, and it is the duty of the police to conduct an impartial investigation. Rape is a serious crime,” Adan said.
“It is important that due process is observed and the rights of all concerned are respected. We also urge everyone concerned to cooperate with the authorities so an impartial investigation could take place,” he added.
The woman, identified to the media only as “Vanessa” to protect her real identity, claimed said the rape happened last April 19 inside a hotel in Makati City.
The militant women’s group Gabriela said in statement that it was able to confirm that the man was a US soldier listed in hotel register as being "from Joint US Military Assistance Group (Jusmag)/Balikatan."
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