Nicole was raped just before midnight of Nov. 1, 2005 in Subic Bay. On Dec. 4, 2006, the Makati Regional Trial Court convicted Lance Corporal Daniel Smith of rape.

On Dec. 29, 2006, however, Smith was transferred to the US Embassy after DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo and US Ambassador Kristie Kenney agreed on the transfer of custody citing the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

In the case of Hazel, Linaban said that the US may sacrifice Hopstock. “Politically, the strategic objective to maintain their forces and bases in Okinawa is definitely more important”

Support

Linaban related that the organization Okinawa Women Act Against Military Violence has pledged their support for Hazel’s case. The Japanese group is campaigning against the construction of a new base facility in the Northern part of Okinawa.

Maza said they also met with at least 15 members of the Prefecture Assembly, counterpart of the Philippine Congress. Maza appealed to the Prefecture Assembly, to other organizations in Japan, and to the Filipino community to support Hazel in her quest for justice.(Bulatlat.com)

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