Philippines Charge 4 Marines With Rape

Military.com ^ | December 27, 2005 | Associated Press

[DJ Taylor]

"The alleged rape has stirred emotions in the former American colony, and has been regarded by some as a black mark on U.S. counterterrorism training, which has been credited by Washington and Manila with helping Filipino troops crush many Muslim militants in the country's restive south."

These young Marines were obviously set up by those who wish to damage U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in the Philippines. Why do I say that? Unless times have changed drastically, Filipino women do not hang out in Olangapo bars with sailors and marines unless they are either prostitutes or they have some other more nefarious agenda.

[mlc9852]

You would think the Marines would know better than to get themselves in a situation like this.

[Vaquero]

Jeeze I didn't know US bases had been reopened here.

[bubman]

Thank-you for posting that tidbit. It changes the entire tone to the story.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

A black eye either way.

[brownsfan]

"Filipino women do not hang out in Olangapo bars with sailors and marines unless they are either prostitutes or they have some other more nefarious agenda."

It's just a bad situation. It is possible to rape a prostitute. Most women in Olangapo bars are prostitutes, but not ALL of them. Unless you count those trying to find a husband and a way to America prostitutes, then you really get into that grey area.
I'm guessing it's just bad judgement, in a bad situation, and it's going to have a bad result. I don't think it's a conspiricy.

[milemark]

These young Marines were obviously set up by those who wish to damage U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in the Philippines. Why do I say that? Unless times have changed drastically, Filipino women do not hang out in Olangapo bars with sailors and marines unless they are either prostitutes or they have some other more nefarious agenda

They tried to jam up the 2 Marines who were getting pizza as well. Their stomachs gave them a provable alibi and saved them. The fact that the attempt was made makes the other accusations more suspicious.

[Gay State Conservative]

Never having been stationed in the Philippines (or anywhere overseas) I can only take your word regarding who does and does not hang out with Marines there.

Your theory could be correct.If these Marines are tried in a Philippine court,one can only hope they use DNA tests,and accurate ones at that.

[Wristpin]

The common story among Sailors who married Philipino hooks was "She was from the province".

[dfwgator]

"This is my rifle, this is my gun, This is for fighting, this is for fun"

[brownsfan]

"The common story among Sailors who married Philipino hooks was "She was from the province"."

Yeah, and I'm Admiral Nimitz! I was in the Navy, visited Olangapo, and had my share of San Migeul, (nectar of the Gods?).
There are some seemingly nice girls there, but they are looking for a ticket. Most of them would marry a two headed 500lb monkey if they thought they could get to the states.
West-Pac widow anyone?

[mlc9852]

They may have changed their tune about fun.

[joesnuffy]

Olangpo is the world's largest whorehouse...things get real nasty down there real quick..

I agree these young Marines were set up....

[Restorer]

DNA cannot tell whether the sex was consensual or not. Unless the woman is pretty badly beaten, physical evidence that the sex was rape is often pretty thin.

Which, of course, puts it back into the "she said, they said" category, in this case. Although the driver might be a comparatively unbiased witness.

It is even harder to disprove rape than to prove it. Which is, IMHO, a dang good reason to keep your pants zipped.

[montomike]

Young, dumb, and full of c*m.

Hope they are cleared!

[mlc9852]

I hope they aren't guilty.

[Restorer]

The Filipino driver of the van, Timoteo Soriano, who was initially considered as a key witness, was also charged as a "co-conspirator" for apparently doing nothing to stop the alleged rape.

On careful rereading, this sounds highly suspicious. Apparently the driver didn't back up the woman's story, so he's been charged also. This makes it 5 to 1 on the story. Not at all impossible that the 5 are lying, although I would think that the driver would have little reason to lie to protect the sailors.

He may change his story for a plea bargain, and the charges against him may be part of the pressure being put on him.

[Wristpin]

"There are some seemingly nice girls there, but they are looking for a ticket. Most of them would marry a two headed 500lb monkey if they thought they could get to the states.
West-Pac widow anyone?"

Yep, Then once they get the meal ticket stateside the common modus operandi is to run up massive credit debt on the Sailor, then clean the house out and abandon him while he is on deployment.

[petitfour]

Yikes. The wife of a sailor friend of ours was telling us a story about her hubby's first visit to the Philippines. I guess the sailors were warned before leaving the ship that they should steer clear of entanglements with the women at that port. Or they could be taking a wife home because the authorities there always side with the female.

[Gay State Conservative]

I think you're right.But at least the use of an accurate DNA test would be a good start.If these Marines are "guilty as charged" then let the local authorities throw the book at them,I say.If they're not guilty,then I hope they're not railroaded.

One would think that a CO/Base Commander could and would make certain areas/establishments off limits in a situation like this.God knows that a drunken Soldier/Sailor/Airman or Marine can wreak all sorts of havoc during a sensitive deployment.