Filtered by: Topstories
News

Rape case vs US serviceman in Japan dropped; Pinay victim still hopes for justice


MANILA, Philippines - A Filipina rape victim of a US serviceman in Okinawa, Japan is still hopefull that justice will be serve on her despite the junking of her case againts the suspect. In an exclusive report by Lei Alviz in GMA's 24 Oras, the victim "Hazel" said she was shocked when the prosecutor junked her case for lack of evidence. "Nung sinabi ng prosecutor na hindi na matutuloy sa korte yung kaso ko, shocked po ako. Hindi na po ako makapagsalita. Umiyak na lang po ako (When I learned that my case was dismissed, I was shocked. I was speechless. I cried)," she said. The television report said even the guardian of "Hazel," Filipino priest Fr. Cruz, was surprised with the prosecutor's decision. "Ang sabi ng prosecutor, wala raw mapatunayang rape kasi walang sugat. Walang sugat? E isang linggo yan sa ospital, tapos hanggang ngayon nagti-take pa siya ng sleeping pills para makatulog (The prosecutor said there is no evidence of rape. No evidence? She spent one week in a hospital, and up to now she has to take sleeping pills just to sleep)," he said. Worse, "Hazel" said assistance from Philippine officials in Japan also stopped when they learned of what happened to her case. "Nung umpisa po oo, sumusuporta sila. Pero nung malaman nilang binasura na yung kaso, wala na (At first they were supportive. But when they learned that my case has been junked, their assistance suddenly stopped)," she said. Party-list group Gabriela, meanwhile, blamed the government for what happened to the case of "Hazel." "Wala talagang paninindigan ang gobyerno natin para ipaglaban ang kaso (Our government does not have the will to fight for her case)," said Emmy de Jesus, Gabriela's secretary general. "Hazel," however, said she is elated to know that the the US Army is already in the process of probing the suspect in preparation for possible court martial proceedings. "Buo pa rin ang loob ko na makukuha ko yung hustisya sa nangyari sa akin (I am still hopeful that I will get the justice I deserve)," she said. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on the other hand, denied that they are not extending help to “Hazel,” saying a lawyer is still working fulltime on her case. - GMANews.TV
Tags: rape, japan
LOADING CONTENT