I have received the briefing of the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission (VFACOM) on the reported rape of a Filipina by five United States servicemen on 1 November 2005.

I am deeply concerned by this report and I have instructed the VFACOM to fully assist the victim of this crime and to support all efforts by our authorities to investigate, prosecute and try this case.

The perpetrators of this heinous crime shall be brought to justice.

I have also instructed the VFACOM to immediately make recommendations on additional measures that will help prevent any repetition of this sad and tragic incident.

The Department has asked the US Embassy to make sure that the accused in this case do not leave the country and that, in accordance with the Visiting Forces Agreement, the accused be made available to Philippine police, investigative and judicial authorities.

The US Embassy did not allow the accused to join the scheduled departure of their ship this morning and has given the assurance that the accused will be made available to our authorities.

Philippine authorities are currently investigating this crime and we shall pursue this matter with vigor and in accordance with our laws and treaty obligations.

I have also instructed the VFACOM to keep the public updated on this matter. END