AJLPP-USA Condemns Puppet Philippine Government Order to Return Convicted Rapist Smith to the custody of US embassy

Los Angeles – The Alliance for A just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) -USA condemn in the strongest term the puppet Philippine government order that transferred convicted American serviceman Lance Corporal Daniel Smith to the custody of the US embassy .

AJLPP coordinator Mario Santos said: “Arroyo’s action proved that the Philippine government’s brazen puppetry ( kakapalan ng mukha)and lackyism (pagpapakatuta) knows no bounds. It does not only order the killing of Filipinos but also allows the rape of Filipinas and the violation of its own laws and its constitution. Arroyo should stop imploring “law and order” because she cannot even follow the laws of her country. Much more, she should renounce her citizenship and be an ugly American that she is.”

AJLPP-USA confirmedtoday the news through Gabnet-USA and by Manila news sources and by the announcement of US Embassy spokesperson Matthew Lussenhop said that Smith was moved out of the Makati City Jail to the embassy at about 11 p.m.

Smith’s transfer came almost a month after the US and Philippine governments urged a local court to turn him over to American custody while his case is on appeal, citing provisions under the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Smith, 21, of St. Louis, was found guilty on December 4 of raping a Filipino woman, identified in court as “Nicole,” and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was detained at the Makati City jail.

AJLPP agreees with private prosecutor lawyer for Subic rape victim Nicole, that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was responsible for the order and could be impeached for allowing this “violation of our sovereignty” and “clear foreign intervention.” "I am sure without her order, this transfer will not be possible," she said.

AJLPP also strongly agree that criminal cases should be filed against Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romula, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and all those responsible for Smith’s transfer.

"They are all rapists. They raped our Constitution. They should all be held criminally liable," Nicole’ the rape victim’s lawyer said. Evalyn Ursua, Nicole’s lawyer said only the courts could give orders for Smith to be transferred.

Asked what was the basis for Smith’s release despite his conviction, Lussenhop mockingly and simply said: “By the order of the Philippine government.”

He also said Smith would be kept in the same US Embassy facility where he was held during his trial, said Lussenhop. An intelligence source said Smith was freed on orders of Arroyo but there was no immediate comment from Malacañang.

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