Undersecretary Zosimo Jesus PAredes II of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement visited today the US Embassy and was presented by US Embassy officials the six US Marines who are facing charges of rape before the Olongapo City prosecution Office.

"Upon instruction of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo, I went to the Embassy and saw the six servicemen." Paredes said. "The six are in the custody of US EMbassy officials and under guard. This should assure our public that said suspects are in the country."

Usec. PAredes was accompanied by three members of his staff.

The VFA Commission oversee the implementation of the VFA and the military exercises undertaken in its auspices.

The US Embassy has given assurances that they will cooperate with Philippine authorities and carry out their treaty obligations under the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement, including making available the 6 servicemen for the investigation and judicial proceeding. END