Our primary interests of ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights and welfare of the victim are secured, remain.

Working closely with the Department of Justice, we are taking every effort to ensure any and all accused shall be tried under Philippine laws and, if found guilty, will be answerable for their crimes under Philippine laws.

The United States Government has been made fully aware of the importance that Philippine Government and the Filipino people are giving to this case, as well as our sentiments and position that the Philippines has primary jurisdiction and that Philippine laws shall govern.

These were underscored in notes verbale issued by the Department to the Embassy of the United States.

The Department has also formally asked the US Embassy to turnover the custody of the six accused to Philippine Authorities, citing the extraordinary nature of the case, pursuant to Article V, Paragraph 6 of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

We appreciate the strong interests of Congress and the public in this case.  Again, working together with the Department of Justice, we intend to address the concerns that have been raised. END