Villar: Monitor Filipina rape case in Okinawa

Full government assistance must be given to the 21-year old Filipina who was reportedly raped last month by a US serviceman in Okinawa, Japan.

Senate President Manny Villar said the government should undertake vigorous efforts in ensuring that justice will be served to the victim, a contract worker who was raped two days after arriving in the island-prefecture that hosts 20,000 American troops.

He urged the Department of Foreign Affairs through its embassy "to closely monitor the judicial proceedings and provide her with legal aid and other administrative support."

"Beyond words of comfort, our government should put a man on the ground to underscore our deep interest in the case and to coordinate all forms of assistance the victim may need," Villar said.

Villar said funds that the victim will need "for her protection, housing and legal fees," can be sourced from the Assistance to National Fund in the budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"Other expenses can sourced from the Overseas Workers Welfare Fund which is managing the $20 fee each departing OFW is obliged to pay," he said.

The Filipina, who is in the protective custody of the Okinawa police, will file a case in court against the US soldier, who also remains unidentified. Villar said, "It is important that despite our limited resources, we are not remiss in our duty to help a compatriot in distress."