Indignation protest set over Smith's acquittal

MANILA, Philippines – Militants are set to hold an “indignation protest" Friday to show their outrage over the acquittal of convicted rapist US Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith by the Court of Appeals. A statement from the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said the rally would be held near the CA office in Manila. Smith was found guilty by the Makati Regional Trial Court for raping Filipina Suzette Nicolas a.k.a "Nicole" in November 2005. Nicolas changed her statement last March 12 and hinted that Smith did not rape her. But Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said the acquittal was a “clear denial of justice especially to rape victims because the Arroyo government is loyal to the US and [to the] values of the Visiting Forces Agreement than her own country." He however said that there was nothing surprising with the acquittal. "We are outraged but not surprised. All of the events were designed to this acquittal. The affidavit, the leakage, Nicole’s flight to the US. All these were designed to lead to an acquittal to have the public accept this acquittal," Reyes Jr. told GMANews.TV in an interview. He also accused Malacañang of having a hand Smith's acquittal, saying "they have been waiting, praying, wanting this thing to happen." - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV