AFP confident Subic rape case cannot hamper VFA exercises

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Cagayan de Oro City (15 November) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is optimistic the case will not hamper on-going and future military exercises, more importantly, the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and bilateral relations between our two countries.

In a statement sent to the different AFP units in Northern Mindanao thru the 52nd Civil Relations Service, AFP, Brig. Gen. Jose Angel A. Honrado, commander of the CRSAFP, said the AFP hopes that justice will be served and that proper procedure will be strictly observed and followed for the US servicemen involved in the case.

Meanwhile, Malacanang has assured that justice prevail over rape case, adding the US government has shown willingness to cooperate with the local authorities and our Department of Justice is determined to ensure that the case will be dealt with in accordance with Philippine laws.

“This should serve as an assurance of the commitment of the two countries for justice to prevail in the recent rape case of 22-year old Filipina by six members of the US Marine Corps at the Subic Freeport in Zambales,” Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said.

Bunye also said we must refrain from speculating on the outcome of the case and let impartial justice take its course as this is an isolated case that should not affect the strong ties between the Philippines and the United States.

On the other hand, Honrado said the AFP assures our people that the military organization is united and solidly behind the Constitution ad its processes and will not consider resorting to extra-constitutional means to resolve the country’s political problems.

“Attempts to recruit military personnel for armed intervention against the government have never progressed and will never succeed. Nevertheless, the AFP will not let its guard down and will continue to monitor the political environment,” he stressed.

Despite the AFP’s assurance that these attempts will never succeed, however, speculators and the so-called prophets of doom are preaching that a December coup is in the offing to overthrow the President.

Honrado explained any coercion scheme will not make the AFP turn its back on its apolitical and non-partisan stand and that it will remain insulated from politics and outside influence.

“The AFP appeals to individuals and groups to stop doing the country a disservice by continuing to link prominent political figures and the AFP to alleged coup plots and advises the people to continue using their good judgment in order to avoid being misled or swayed by speculators and rumor-mongers,” Honrado added. (PIA-10)