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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US envoy assures 'procedures in place' for visiting troops

US envoy assures 'procedures in place' for visiting troops

Published May 17, 2023 11:01 am
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson does not see the need to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries amid backlash it receives from opposition calling out the Philippines' lack of criminal jurisdiction over American troops in the country. Carlson said both the Philippines and US militaries already "have procedures in place for exactly how to handle any incident that should occur." Carlson's remark was in response to critics calling out the strengthened military alliance between the Philippines and the US, especially the identification of new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites. The latter particularly cited the case of transgender woman Jennifer Laude, who was killed by US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton. Pemberton was eventually granted pardon by former President Duterte. "We have very strict procedures in place for and if incident occur," Carlson said in an interview with ANC. The diplomat was confident that no untoward incidents would happen under VFA as proven by the latest and the largest Balikatan Exercises between troops of both countries.

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