RP-US Balikatan to strictly adhere to agreements

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The RP-US Balikatan 2008 will strictly adhere to the Terms of Reference (TOR) when it stages the bilateral exercise from Feb. 18 to March 3, Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) commissioner, retired general Edilberto Adan said yesterday.

Adan met with senior military officials under the Western Mindanao Command, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Combined, and representatives of the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) and reminded them of VFA policies.

Col. Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief for plans and programs, also presented new policies to senior military officers on the VFA agreement and its implementation.

“The reminder was particularly what we called the Kapit-Bisig framework,” Adan said.

The Kapit-Bisig, the overall framework, is bigger than the Balikatan that involves the humanitarian, civic action, and upgrading of the AFP capability and modernization.

“There is always a discussion on the objectives of this exercise, where it will be done, how many troops will be engaged and what type of activity is conducted,” Adan said in following the TOR.

He said possible violations on the VFA is strictly being observed to avert incidents such as the rape of a Filipina in Olongapo in 2005.

“We are aware of the big case of Lance Corporal (Daniel) Smith which has already been resolved by our court. There was a decision and Lance Corporal Smith was convicted by the Makati Regional Trial Court, and as provided for in our laws he can appeal,” Adan said.

Adan said the VFA is not aware of any new violations in connection with the continued presence of US troops in the country.

He said incidents related with the US military presence that occurred a few years ago have been addressed “to the satisfaction of all parties involved.”

“There were reparations and that was done,” Adan added.  – Roel Pareño