INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Marine Case Update 09/08/06

Published: Fri 8 Sep 2006 07:46 AM
VZCZCXRO4652
OO RUEHNH
DE RUEHML #3770 2510746
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 080746Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2862
INFO RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA IMMEDIATE 0032
RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS MANILA 003770
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP
SUBJECT: MARINE CASE UPDATE 09/08/06
REF: MANILA 3474 AND PREVIOUS
1. Testimony in the trial of the four Marines accused of
raping a Filipino woman is expected to resume Monday,
September 11 when the Defense commences its case. They have
indicated that they will call approximately six witnesses
including the four Marines themselves, and another Marine,
LCpl Justin Bamberger, who is already in country. The
Defense has also informed the Embassy that they will subpoena
NCIS for the clothes LCpl Smith was wearing the night of the
alleged incident. They will also probably request that an
NCIS official present the clothing in direct testimony.
Embassy will report when subpoena is received.
2. On September 2, the International Herald Tribune Asia
profiled longtime Philippine resident and friend to the
Embassy, Father James Reuter, who is also a spiritual advisor
to the Marines. In the story, Father Reuter publicly
proclaimed the innocence of LCpl Smith and the others, saying
"I don't think they're guilty...not a bit."
3. Mission continues to provide security, citizen services,
and other support to the defendants. Personnel from III MEF,
JUSMAG, the Regional Security Office (RSO), and the Consular
Section will continue to attend all court sessions. RSO
remains pleased with the extent and quality of security
support provided by the mayor's office and police department.
The Consular Section continues to respond to family member
inquiries.
Jones
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