Sen. Loren Legarda deplored that the Philippine government has to depend on US military forces to protect and transport government prosecutors to Sulu to prosecute members of the Abu Sayaff as admitted by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Loren said this revelation was “shocking because it would appear that the Arroyo administration is helpless in prosecuting violators of the law, including accused terrorists, without the help of a foreign power like the United States. Loren commented on the speech of President Arroyo at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday (Sept. 3) which she disclosed that US troops provided “safety” and transportation to government prosecutors who had gone to Sulu to prosecute Aby Sayaff members.
In her speech to a World War II Veterans assembly at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, President Arroyo also said that at that time government prosecutors were “afraid” to go to Sulu but because of the help given by the US military forces, they were able to do so and now prosecution is proceeding smoothly. Loren said that the administration of justice and the enforcement of the laws are not among the activities or duties assigned to US military forces in the Philippines in the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement. She explained that the RP-US VFA only allowed American troops to stay temporarily in Philippine territory for the purpose of conducting joint US-Philippine military exercises and providing combat training and handling of military equipment. US troops are also allowed to engage in “soft” power like building schools, roads and bridges.
Earlier, Loren called for the review of the VFA provisions following reports that the “apparently permanent presence” of the US military forces in the country and their alleged involvement in anti-insurgency activities were violating the “spirit” of the VFA. (PR-PL)