US apology on rape of Pinay in Japan 'deserves' attention - Palace exec

MANILA, Philippines - The call for an apology from the US government on the reported rape last month of a Filipino woman by an American soldier in Japan “deserves serious consideration," according to a Malacanang official.

But deputy presidential spokesman Lorelei Fajardo said the Palace is leaving the issue up to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“The DFA has instructed (its) senior officials in Okinawa to look into the matter (but) the call deserves serious consideration," she told newsmen.

“We are of the opinion that the US, after (its) own investigation, will undertake the appropriate action, be it a public apology and, or act to ensure the prosecution of (its) servicemen who have violated the laws and, especially, the virtue of our own countryman," the Palace spokesperson said.

“We leave it to the DFA to undertake the necessary diplomatic procedures to cause America to act on the plight of our kababayan," Fajardo added.

Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros and the militant Migrante International have suggested that the Philippine government lodge a diplomatic protest against the member of the US army who allegedly raped a 21-year-old Filipino woman in Japan’s southern island of Okinawa.

Hontiveros urged Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo “undertake a loud voice by registering a diplomatic protest" on the rape incident.

Maita Santiago, secretary general of Migrante International, on Tuesday demanded an apology from the US government for the sexual assault on the Filipina by a member of the US military stationed in Okinawa.

Santiago lamented that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been quiet on the incident involving a Filipino woman who was raped barely two days after leaving the Philippines to work in Japan.

She noted that US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has expressed “deep regrets" over the reported rape in January of a 14-year-old Japanese schoolgirl on Okinawa by 38-year-old US Marine Sergeant Tyrone Luther Hadnott after Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda considered the incident as “unforgivable."

Hadnott has admitted kissing the girl but denied raping her at a parking lot.
The case has sparked outrage and official condemnation in Japan. It renewed demands for the immediate pull out of American troops from the country. - GMANews.TV

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