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        On the Heavier Side >> Current Events       >> Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino Woma
        
(Message started by: nOrKAy on Jan 19^th, 2006, 8:29am)

Title: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino Woma
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 19^th, 2006, 8:29am

[courtesy of asia.news.yahoo.com]

OLONGAPO, Philippines (AFP) - Four US Marines and a Filipino driver have been charged with raping a 22-year-old Filipina woman, prosecutors said, in a case that has reopened old wounds in the former US colony.

After a lengthy preliminary investigation that began last month, prosecutors said they had concluded that there had been a conspiracy to commit rape, in the incident in the former US Naval base of Subic Bay north of Manila.

"We expect the warrants of arrest to be issued as early as next week," prosecutor Raymond Viray told AFP.

"The case is strong. There is evidence. Conviction hinges on the credibility of the victim, and we are banking on that."

"They took advantage of the victim's intoxication, who they later abused using superior strength," Viray said.

The Filipino driver of the van in which the crime allegedly took place was also named as a primary suspect after he recanted his earlier statement supporting the victim's allegations that she was raped.

Two other US Marines initially named as suspects were however not included in the charges.

Viray said only one of the four actually sexually assaulted the girl, but that the three and the driver provided "moral assistance" in committing the crime.

"Under our criminal law, there can be gang rape in the sense that others were together, encouraging or cooperating with the rape itself. And that is considered rape by all of them," added the girl's lawyer, Katrina Legarda in a separate interview.

"Everyone (is) a principal (suspect) because there was inducement or cooperation if not participation," she said.

The suspects in their affidavit said the girl had consented to have sex with one of the soldiers, identified as Daniel Smith, a claimed challenged by Legarda.

"The medico-legal findings show too many bruises for there to be consensual sex," she said.

The American troops were part of a contingent that took part in joint military exercises with their Filipino counterparts in Subic, a former US naval base shut down in 1992.

The case has drawn widespread media attention in this former American colony and human rights advocates say it has opened up old wounds caused by past abuses.

It is also seen as a litmus test for the visiting forces agreement, a treaty that grants limited immunity to criminal prosecution to American soldiers taking part in maneuvers here.

The US embassy in Manila had invoked the treaty in refusing to hand over the suspects, but said diplomats would turn the Marines over to authorities if the four were formally charged.

Rape in the Philippines is punishable by life imprisonment or death if there were aggravating circumstances.

Viray said the foreign department would coordinate with the US embassy once the warrants of arrests are issued.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 19^th, 2006, 9:38am

Not only this time that US military did this heinous crime in all over the world. Back in 1995, three US service men pleaded guilty to raping a 12-year old girl in Okinawa, Japan, where the US also maintains a military base. Another incident of rape in Okinawa was also reported in 2001. Elsewhere US military personnel have been embroiled in other controversies such as prisoner abuse (including sexual) in Iraq, sexual harassment and assault in Korea, etc.

Going back to the main news, the Philippine authority wants the US to hand over the suspects. Unfortunately, the US' law says that those marines are assumed innocent, until proven guilty. They haven't been declared guilty yet, so the United States has no reason to hand over innocent men, until they are no longer innocent--which I, personally, agree--although I really hate the practise ,or what those marines did.

I even heard a comment about this horrible incident done by these marines, which made me so much negatively affected. This person assumed this Filipino woman must be a sleeper. Well, this I could say; The only thing he knows about this woman is that she’s Filipina, but then he could right away assume that she’s a sleeper. It's as ignorant as claiming all black people to be criminals because of high crime rates amongst blacks. These issues have to do with poverty, not race or culture.

What happened was heinous, but what can you say about the right of the US for not turning over the suspects? What can you also say about the Filipino driver who was later included as one of the suspects? Or, as the protesters want to happen, do this kind of crimes comitted by these US militaries being stationed in the Philippines, enough reason to cause the estrangement between the Philippines and the US?

Let us hear your views and sentiments! ;D

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Gracia on Jan 19^th, 2006, 10:25am

Quote:

what can you say about the right of the US for not turning over the suspects?

I am more concern about what our plaintiff's rights behind this case and how our government will going to help her. US rights won't matter that much if our government will do and seek justice for the raped victim. It seems to me, they're doing nothing or else they will never let those suspects leave our country.

Quote:

What can you also say about the Filipino driver who was later included as one of the suspects?

That's good for him! He testified and then backed out! That's fishy. He's dumb if he can't identify a woman being raped or being paid. He wasn't hurt either, so that means it's either it was kind of a good fight to watch or the payment at stake was very appealing.

Quote:

Or, as the protesters want to happen, do this kind of crimes comitted by these US militaries being stationed in the Philippines, enough reason to cause the estrangement between the Philippines and the US?

Protesters never like US troops barging in our country ever since I can remember. So, it won't surprise me at all, if they'll use this case to strengthen their campaigns. Though on my personal point of view, I don't think this will be enough reason to cause hostility between US and Philippines. We have to be reminded also, that we have few fellowmen who were not behaving in other countries as well. All I'm hoping is justice for everyone concern and hoping this will serve as a lesson to some of our ladies to be more cautious and vigilant to whoever they want to go out with.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Jan 20^th, 2006, 3:25am

Ok, this is just my personal opinion. I'm sure she was "sexually abused". But then again, the girl if not willingly is a big part of the crime committed. If she was abducted from her house, or even abducted from inside the bar or whatever it is, then I will cry foul. But she was inside the bar drinking with this soldier, got herself intoxicated, she even had company (family, right?), where were they when she was being "raped"? Did they never wonder that she's missing? It could not have been just a few minutes? Unless they are used to her taking off all by herself all the time? And I am sure she flirted a lot with this soldier, too. So whatever it is that happened to her, it's the consequences of her actions. I think what really happened is that she went out with him willingly. Got into the van but changed her mind when she saw there are more than one men inside. But sheez...all of them are drunk and probably hornier than ever so it's too late to let her go? She should not be there in the first place. Morally, she should be the one convicted, legally? Now that is for the laywers to prove.

Quote:

The Filipino driver of the van in which the crime allegedly took place was also named as a primary suspect after he recanted his earlier statement supporting the victim's allegations that she was raped

Now there's a man to hang. He probably got scared of losing his job.

Quote:

what can you say about the right of the US for not turning over the suspects?

Doesn't the military supposed to have their own court? Unless the Philippine Government is afraid the case will be "whitewashed"?

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 20^th, 2006, 6:18am

Ahh, Witchy. That's so frustrating to hear and so shameful if it's proven that that's how it happened.

It sounds convincing too, that the woman willingly went with those Marines in the van after drinking at a bar. This is one of the reasons why the Americans have denied participating in or witnessing the incident, as some witnesses said in written statements that they saw Smith and the woman kissing and petting in the van's back seat but indicated there was no sign of struggle by the woman. The Filipino woman claimed that she was forced, although the answering respondents claimed that the sexual congress was consensual.

Well, it is understood then that all the involved in the incident were drunk. And that's a big thing that makes the rape accusation possibly fails.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by earthlingorgeous on Jan 20^th, 2006, 10:11am

[color=burgundy] Oh Good God! I'm saddened by what I read...especially coming from women... but then again I respect your opinions :'( we are all entitled to our personal perceptions.

However, I an strongly a feminist when it comes to this issue as I am rancorous about rapist and/or men violating womens rights and rape is the ultimate violation that deserves the ultimate punishment to the violator.

Rape is a total violation of a woman's right over her own body and her ability to make a sexual choice.

While one person may define rape as forced intercourse using fear as a method to carry out the act, another person may define rape as vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse accomplished by the use of fear and force. Regardless of which definition you use, rape is forcing someone against his or her will or without his or her consent to perform any sexual act. The fact is no still means no, and if you don’t get verbal consent this can still be construed as rape.

There is no real way to determine how far back rape actually goes, but we can only assume that it dates back to the dawn of man. There is no real way of determining when or where the first rape occurred, as far as we know it could date back to Adam and Eve.

A lot of progress has been made in the treatment of rape victims and their assaulters. We have gone from placing the blame on the victim and stereotyping them as “easy” or “deserving it” to fully sympathy and compassion. As far as the rapist himself we have gone from a mere slap on the wrist to punishment as harsh as that for murders.

It pains me to hear how the assaulters give excuses about why they did the rape and the unwitting audiences comments about the “real deal” about what transgressed. But I believe when a woman (or any person no matter what the gender is) feels violated in any other way then he/she should fight for his/her rights no matter what.

To site some justification about a person being raped are:
Their clothes were too provocative.
They were asking for it.
They were at the wrong place in town.
Women really want to be raped.
When a women say’s no she really means yes.
Women like it rough.
If she was drinking or taking drugs and didn’t say no she must have really wanted it.

Absolutely unacceptable!

There are said to be three different types of rape. Anger, Power, and Sadistic and they are broken down like this:

Anger rapes- this type of rape expresses hatred towards the victim and rage. This type of rapist wants the person to feel and understand his anger towards them, even though they may have not been the one to provoke the rage they need to take it out on someone and make them suffer as he has for past wrongs and rejections.

Power rapes- this type of rape wants to express power and domination over the victim. These rapists have a common fantasy of women who want them and resist there come-ons and then consent to sex. So when the fantasy is acted out and the victim doesn’t cooperate the fantasy becomes more about the domination or taking control over that person. In this way he is showing how very powerful, masculine, and sexually adequate he really is.

Sadistic rape- this rapist is obsessed with the ritual that goes along with the sex. This could be making the victim act out a part in some sort of role-play, it could involve mutilation, or torture as a means of getting the rapist excited. These rapists are the ones that wake women out of a dead sleep, scared to death for their lives.

Other types of rape include stranger rape, acquaintance rape, and marital rape.

Stranger rape- are rapes enacted by someone that is known to you.

Acquaintance rape- are rapes by someone that you know. This is where date rape falls into play.

Marital rape- is the rape of your spouse. It was once thought that once you consented to a marriage that you were obligated to serve your husband in any way he saw fit and this meant sexually. But since the early eighties we have been passing laws state by state to try and change is control a man has over the sexually activity in the marriage.

It doesn't really matter what race,color,religion,gender the assailant is and the victim is. I believe when someone feels violated, they should assert their right!

And Cameron Ketcher and Jessica Fleming of the Victimology and Women in Criminal Justice may have writen an article about rape and can be search in google... these definitions are all the same in law books ;)

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 20^th, 2006, 4:16pm

I don't see anything saddening from the previous comments. Take note that our topic here is the news/issue/incident of the rape happened in the Philippines. We are NOT talking ONLY about the word "rape" itself, or giving views about rapists. And we are giving our perceptions according to the news published about the incident.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Gracia on Jan 21^st, 2006, 3:02am

Quote:

However, I an strongly a feminist when it comes to this issue as I am rancorous about rapist and/or men violating womens rights and rape is the ultimate violation that deserves the ultimate punishment to the violator.

Rape is a total violation of a woman's right over her own body and her ability to make a sexual choice.

Yes, sometimes our views differs most of the times and that makes us unique individual. It might be too boring if we're in tune all the time. ;)

Quote:

Their clothes were too provocative.
They were asking for it.
They were at the wrong place in town.
Women really want to be raped.
When a women say’s no she really means yes.
Women like it rough.
If she was drinking or taking drugs and didn’t say no she must have really wanted it.

Totally unacceptable!

Yes, i believe that. But i'm most hoping that women will be aware of these things too, considering that there are so many bad elements circulationg in our society. However, if a man is on drugs, even the beggar looks yummy to them. :( Again, women have to be cautious and careful all the time. Nobody knows what will happen next.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Jan 21^st, 2006, 6:18am

I am not denying that there has been a "rape" act. I was merely stating that the said "crime" would have not been committed without an invitation from the girl. Each of us should be responsible for our own actions and it's consequences. So morally, she is also at fault here. If it's in MY jurisdiction, I will accuse her of being an "accessory" to the crime, Because if it's not for her stupid actions, nothing of this will have happened. (No violent reactions to my being a "Judge" pls. Hehehehe!)

Like I said, I will fully sympathize if the victim has been abducted for the sole purpose of committing the crime.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 21^st, 2006, 12:35pm

on 01/20/06 at 10:11:15, earthlingorgeous wrote:

To site some justification about a person being raped are:
Their clothes were too provocative.
They were asking for it.
They were at the wrong place in town.
Women really want to be raped.
When a women say’s no she really means yes.
Women like it rough.
If she was drinking or taking drugs and didn’t say no she must have really wanted it.

I'm sorry, but I have to correct the term used there. NO, these are not justifications. It is more accurate the term used in the original article where this post was derived. These are myths of rape. While "justification" means evidence, "myths" means either a fiction or half-truth, which can possibly cause a rape. Or, things that seduce rape activity.

Therefore, I don't see any reason to say these are unacceptable, because these were just cited as myths, meaning, inappropriate actions as they invite rape incidents.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by earthlingorgeous on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 8:55am

hahahahaha! Witchy in my court! all who file rape cases have a bigger chance for their case to win! lol! Yes thats being pre-judicial but the heck... if our justice system will allow the cutting of the you know what like Lorena Bobit did to rapist... men will be afraid to even try!

Myth...is not factual... myth is theory, accusation, story brought about by tradition, unproven.

Justification ... is a reason made to give justice to action, a reasoning to one's action or deed... Katrina Legarda a good friend fighting for women's rights said these excuses are the most often used excuse by perpetrators of rape.

It doesn't mean that an article that can be found here in the net is an original and I had my liberty to change the term because I deem it wrong.

Nobody wants to be raped! thats what I believe, and I remain steadfast about it! Just my opinion! and like Gracie said what a boring life would be without contradicting views ;) we get to learn more by that than be stagnant.

About the topic?

The four US marines are still in the custody of the US embassy here in Manila and the Filipino lawyers were asking for their custody to be placed in a proper jail here in the country. The proper venue to hold them in jail would be in Pampanga since the crime was committed there but the US embassy were asking for them to be jailed in Makati.

Rallies were staged last week infront of the US embassy asking that the US marines be put in proper jail as they are "suspects" to a crime.

But since they are making this an issue about the Philippine US relationship. (duh!) and the VFA blahs.... I feel this will get nowhere.

For the girl... before the case went into a preliminary hearing... the 4 US marines offered her $100,000 each just to stop the noise, she didn't accept... her family was asking for more I suppose (she was a scared girl....) She should have accepted it everyone thinks... get a new life... the money is already a proof that they did her wrong... she should have used the check as evidence (but apparently her lawyers and her family didn't think of it) the quit claim could only be signed by her... accoring to Legarda immediate family members can now file for rape if the victim doesn't want to.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 9:17am

on 01/22/06 at 08:55:22, earthlingorgeous wrote:

It doesn't mean that an article that can be found here in the net is an original and I had my liberty to change the term because I deem it wrong.

Earth,
Copying an article and changing them is a crime. It's plagiarism.

Here is the the original article and the link, where you copied it.

http://www.ualr.edu/jlfleming

Please read the reminder, posted by me and with the approval of the administrator. I was told that I should do what I have to do.

Thank you. I hope for your cooperation.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by earthlingorgeous on Jan 22^nd, 2006, 10:45am

Oh Jeez Krissy...

I write and I know... if its reworderd... its not anymore... and if you really read if there are short term or phrase of attribution .... if everything we write or repharase or use the words of other... jeeez no use to explain to you. You are now practicaly breathing at my neck you know. SUE ME IF YOU WANT. IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY!

You should talk to me still you know if you have diginity too (like what you are trying to imply by posting this "SHAME CAMPAIGN" for me than stab me on the back and straight on my face too ... and as moderator you should keep peace here and not drive people away... and be reminded to remain to the topic and issue always and don't do any personal attack on the person posting (those were your rules here right?).

I came here for fun and its not being anymore. If you wan't to keep your SHAME CAMPAIGN and talk to me behind my back, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Its an honor that you think of me worthy of your precious talks with you "friends". Did you know also that the more you talk ill about someone the more you are wishing her good life, success and happiness? SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH KRISSY! really your such a NICE and sweet person... WITH FRIENDS LIKE YOU WHO NEEDS ENEMIES

If you don't want anything I write or post in here... you have the authority to delete the post you know. Do you want me to leave? Tell me? because I am not posting here just for you!

I hope for your cooperation too.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Gracia on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 5:35am

Quote:

I'm sorry, but I have to correct the term used there. NO, these are not justifications. It is more accurate the term used in the original article where this post was derived. These are myths of rape. While "justification" means evidence, "myths" means either a fiction or half-truth, which can possibly cause a rape. Or, things that seduce rape activity.

Therefore, I don't see any reason to say these are unacceptable, because these were just cited as myths, meaning, inappropriate actions as they invite rape incidents.

Personally, there's little truth in it and i considered it totally unaccpetable too. Why not? Can we blame women who loves wearing sexy things? can we blame them if they have flawless skin? Can we blame the suspects from salivating from our sexy women, they're human after all and what's worst...Satan was riding with them, in fact, front seat. They were victims too from Satans power. What push them to do the act? What reasons? MOst of that myths were quite true though, if i have a say on it.

By the way Earthy, that's very kind of you not to take notice for my wrong used of word in my post in here. YOu've noticed that I know, can't blame myself....i'm terrible in spelling and most of the times I ran out of time to recheck what i've typed.

We are all unique individual here, let's give each other the kind of understanding each one needs...we all need that, i'll be glad that you all can spare that with me and extend it to others as well. PEACE!

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 5:59am

Gracie,
I was not correcting what Earth wrote because I was against of the term. My point in correcting it, was what she did in changing the term of the original article, which no one is allowed to do that. If she wanted to contradict the term used there, she could have copied the article, WITH THE AUTHOR and cited her opinion below and NOT to reword or rephrase anything from the original article.

I am not critisizing here. The forum is against of plagiarism. That's all I am concern, since plagiarism has been repeatedly happened, already.

Note:
The plagiarized article Earth posted was editted [Jan.22]. She added the last pharagraph after the post about plagiarism.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Gracia on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 6:15am

I understand Krissy ;D thank you :)

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 7:02am

I do not understand exactly the meaning of the word plagiarism. All this time I thought it's when you copy a certain article, submit it somewhere to be published and put your name as the one who authored it. So plagiarism can also mean changing some orginal words from an article? I'm dumb..so..? :P

One thing more, in the past, I have always asked the moderators, to please discuss any problem you have with each other IN PRIVATE. DO NOT make this forum your BATTLEGROUND. I do not know who is trying to outsmart who, or who is trying to appear more intellectual than who. But please ladies, you are only embarassing yourselves by this never-ending arguments. You both have made your points. And I'm sure also that each of you think of yourselves as the one who is in the right here, meaning no one is going to backdown. So what is going to happen now? Are all the readers going to suffer because you are both hardheaded? Sheez...Why don't you just let go of each other's throat and let's go back to normal postings? Ok..so I ate my words and posted this in public? I was thinking that if no one would listen to me in private, heck...I might as well join the fun, eh? PLEASE......PLEASE...PLEASE...stop it now!!!

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by okasantina on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 8:05am

Even in this thread this two gelays are bumpin their asses? :o ;D hahahaha .... i dont know what to do next ::) i just want to read them eh ;D as in if they will see each other in real im sure they will just laugh at each other and dance as well....oh my ;D GIVE THIS TWO A BREAK PLSSSSSSS!!! lmao! ok u two cheers! [smiley=icon_drink2.gif] [smiley=icon_drink2.gif] [smiley=icon_drink2.gif]

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 9:20am

Quote:

GIVE THIS TWO A BREAK PLSSSSSSS!!!

HUH???? :o Tinz, you're driving me nuts, too ha? Come closer, let me give you some spanking! [smiley=spank.gif] [smiley=spank.gif] [smiley=spank.gif] [smiley=silly.gif] [smiley=silly.gif] [smiley=silly.gif]

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by earthlingorgeous on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 9:45am

on 01/23/06 at 07:02:18, Wicked_Witch wrote:

[color=burgundy] Exactly my point mother deary witchy Edith :( how hard can one PM be when you can do one PM very easily.... but excuse me for my behavior I am a fighter,I don't just take punches done in a sneaky and uncivilized manner....I punch back...

on 01/23/06 at 08:05:21, okasantina wrote:

;D Sowi Tinakins ;D I didn't start this nonsense... I'm on the reflex mode here ;)
Spank me when we see each other in person come Feb 11 ;D You can do the spanking to me to Edith ;D I'm such a bad girl but I was forced to ... ;) Promise I will not post about the "war of the words" anymore... just this one last time ;D We have confronted in PM and that's the most civilized way I can deal with it despite ;)

on 01/23/06 at 05:35:16, Gracia wrote:

Now this thing scares me, are you always in our back Krissy to make amends every wrong choice of words we will be using? I'll welcome it myself with open hearth though when my time comes. I'm glad to be enlightened and corrected. I hope you'll be more discreet with me by then. i'll be glad to sneak in and modify my posts. ;)

We are all unique individual here, let's give each other the kind of understanding each one needs...we all need that, i'll be glad that you all can spare that with me and extend it to others as well. PEACE!

Gracie... ;D when your time comes I hope you don't get the same treatment as I did ;) and besides nobody's perfect... if there's an error or mistake .... correct it... the one's who did the correction should not be persecuted...
Gracie... I will and I don't scrutinize every work or deed of people around me because I know there is always a reason for each others imperfections.

There'a a nice/civilized way to approach a person to correct her/his mistake tell him/her what bothers you and ask her/him to correct it...like in work there's always the verbal warning before the harshest punishment... anyway... enuf said I'm saying too much again....

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by CooCHie on Jan 24^th, 2006, 4:00am

Through a moderator point of view, I understand the dilema of being a moderator. We all welcome members to view their OWN opinions and debates as long as it comes from their own. However, if we notice something that what we think is not appropriate, we as a moderators are entitled to mention or advice a member about it. It is hard at it is being a moderator to make everyones happy. If we ACTED INAPPROPRIATELY to anyone , please don't take it so offensively, our intention is for everyone to enjoy posting here. And as being a moderator myself, if I and the rest of the moderators say or intent to tell a member what is appropriate, we shld not take that as being offensive or as an insult. We are just doing our job as being a moderator. We are putting our free time and effort and willingness and not getting paid to moderate here and we are here to help everyone to be happy and have fun. We should be appreciative to everyone's effort and not be offended if something needs to be done correctly here. YOu either hate us or love us. We are here to moderate a great conversation, topic, or discussion. We seems to forget that we are not arguing who is right or who is wrong here.. We are here to REMIND what is appropriate and what is not!!!!THank you!!
I hope everyone dont hate anyone.!!!We are here to have a great discussion and fun!!Enjoy posting!!Happy trailssssss!! ;D ;DPEACE everyone. ;DFor everyone's involvement, as one of the moderator here, we checked and consulted each other first and based on the fact one of the moderator here acted appropriately before and warned privately the poster. But repeat offensive prompted to say something in posting to remind everyone what is appropriate. So please do not take it so offensively. IF for any reason one take it as an insult, that is not our intention. Our intention is to remind everyone that is not appropriate!!!THis message is for everyone!! It is not my intention to direct to only one person...This message effective to all members and moderators..!!Again lets get back to our regular programming!!!Hope everyone is at peace now.!!!!

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 24^th, 2006, 7:06am

Ok, folks, before we hear the administrator's message since I have forwarded this issue to him, I would like to make myself clear here.

First, plagiarism had been happening in the Blog Central section.I didn't mind when I saw plagiarised posts there, because I said, "Anyway, it's their own blog and they're responsiible of anything they write there". I also like visiting the The Fine Arts section, and I was like "WOW" , when I saw a saying of a famous author and was posted, claiming it's hers. Then again, it happened here, not only just once, but, repeatedly.

It's very true, and one can't argue the fact that this forum is a place to have fun, but at the same time, a forum has its different categories-- a category/section to laugh, a section where in we can express our own whinings, own daily activities and even our feelings--the Blog Cetral section, and there is also a place where we can be informed and inform about heavier/serious issues and facts happening around us or in the whole world, like the Current Events section.

Back to the issue, when I saw again a plagiarized post in this section, I said, "This is no way not to continously be tolerated". Other than I am the moderator and have the right to correct it as the main reason, here is one more reason why I reacted on this issue of plagiarism. Actually, I still would not mind that much if the article was posted as a whole and nothing was changed or reworded, or rephrased, but I was aghast and dismayed that it was corrected right there, and without acknowledging the authors, when that article is a very serious and heavy one, and officially published on the internet. What if that article was mine, or yours? We all know that an article before it is published takes a lot of efforts, time and process, before it will be approved for publication.

I want to make clear that my action here is not to give criticisms. I will take for example how I perform my own job. When I am entertaining/interviewing a client or applicants, even if I know personally the person or someone recomended by someone I know, I never treat him/her as someone I know or differently from the others. It's time to correct the repeated act of plagiarism. I have PMed the concerned person, but she stubbornly denied she did plagiarize. I asked "So you think you didn't plagiarize?" I was answered " No, I don't claim because it's my practise." I said "Fine", but this what I and the administrator last words; We don't mind and care if plagiarism is one's practise, but please DON'T DO IT HERE.

I made the corrections here, in order for others to be informed that this thing is wrong. In that case, everyone who has read it would learn that this kind of thing is not allowed.

Also,I don't see my replies as attacks, instead, my first indirect post [to avoid embarrassment]or reply giving the person an idea or to accentuate that we are aware of what's happening, was denied, saying she has the right to change the article's words. Until, I made it clear and replied directly, which she negatively replied and took it as an attack. I can't do anything more. Therefore, I decided to pass the issue to the head.

Here is a saying of mine after this:
"I would rather choose to be hated for doing what is right, than to be critizised for not doing my work, well."

Thank you so much,all. I hope all is clear. Let us go back to reading and posting. ;D

Here are links about plagiarism. Please do check. Thank you.
http://sja.ucdavis.edu/avoid.htm
http://gervaseprograms.georgetown.edu/hc/plagiarism.html

[smiley=icon_drink2.gif]

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Jan 24^th, 2006, 8:26am

*** Groans aloud.... END OF STORY PLEASEEEEEEEEE!! NO MOREEEEEEEEE!!!! ***pulls my hair out in frustrations**** [smiley=computer.gif] [smiley=fireman.gif] [smiley=firejump.gif] [smiley=huepfend003.gif]

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by okasantina on Jan 24^th, 2006, 6:54pm

::) ::) ::) rape me plz ;D

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 26^th, 2006, 5:30am

on 01/19/06 at 08:29:51, nOrKAy wrote:

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 26^th, 2006, 5:46am

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/kriswen/440w.jpg
Anti-US protesters chant slogans while staging a die-in during a rally outside the US Embassy in Manila on Wednesday Jan. 18, 2006 to demand the arrest and custody of four US Marines

After the refusal of US to hand over the four Marines charged of rape of a Filipino woman, the Philippines seeks new US accord. Here is the story.

[Courtesy of boston.com News]
By: Jim Gomez, Associated Press Writer|January 19, 2006

MANILA, Philippines --A Philippine congressional committee approved a resolution Thursday calling on the government to abrogate an accord allowing large-scale American military exercises in the country after U.S. officials refused to hand over four U.S. Marines accused of rape.

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, who heads the committee, said abrogating the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement would allow the government to negotiate a new accord with Washington that would give more power to the Philippines to take custody of U.S. soldiers who run afoul of local law.

The resolution also calls for suspending budgets to prevent the Philippine military from holding joint combat and counterterrorism exercises with U.S. forces during the trial of the U.S. Marines, Santiago said.

The four are accused of raping a woman Nov. 1 in a former American naval base northwest of Manila.

The Philippine government has sought custody of the Marines, who are being held at the U.S. Embassy, after a judge issued warrants for their arrest in connection with the alleged rape. But Washington formally rejected Manila's request, invoking the 1999 accord that allows American authorities to keep custody of suspects during legal proceedings.

Manila's Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday it reiterated its request to gain custody of the Marines.

"The Philippine government is seriously concerned over the patent disparity in the treatment of U.S. military personnel in other countries on the issue of custody in criminal cases," the department said in a diplomatic note it sent to U.S. officials Tuesday.

There was no immediate sign that the U.S. Embassy would reconsider its decision.

The U.S. decision infuriated many in the former U.S. colony, including many Filipino lawmakers, and set off small but noisy street protests.

"This is an outrage to our integrity and dignity," said Rep. Antonio Cuenco, who voted for the resolution.

The resolution must be approved by the country's Senate and House of Representatives and then go to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her approval or veto.

The 1999 accord would be considered terminated 180 days after either Manila or Washington sends a written notice to the other of its desire to abrogate the pact.

Santiago said the Philippines should seek a new bilateral accord similar to those separately forged by Japan and South Korea with Washington. The Philippine government claims those accords allow easier access to U.S. troops who get involved in crime.

The rape case is seen as a black mark on U.S. military exercises that have been credited with helping weaken al-Qaida-linked militants in the southern Philippines.

The Marines were on liberty after counterterrorism maneuvers with Filipino troops when the alleged rape occurred.

____________________________________________

Looks like the rape case is going "nowhere" ? *sigh*

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by MissFartyPants on Feb 10^th, 2006, 2:37pm

Hey, I was just in my home town Olongapo 2 weeks ago. There is definitely no buzz about the whole rape thing. But then again, I'm never been particularly interested in following the news. I'd rather remain ignorant of what's happening around me. So shoot me. ;D

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Feb 16^th, 2006, 2:54am

It was in the news for a while, Cathy, but I guess it did not make too much of an impression to the media coz they easily get tired of discussing it. Besides, bigger issues has came up so it's been put aside in the background for the moment.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Mar 21^st, 2006, 7:06am

Have you heard about the acquittal of 3 of the 4 suspects? The victim's family are so disappointed with the result of the trial. I guess there's really only one of them who actually committed the grave act.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 5:04pm

Yes, Witchy. I have read and heard that only one, Daniel Smith, remained from the four accused. It looks really that the case is getting "nowhere" as the judge , Renato Dilag, has just made his decision and pulled out from the said case. So, the trial and arraignment of the accused had to be delayed.

Here is the article of the whole story:
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=2&story_id=70335

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Apr 22^nd, 2006, 6:25am

Seems like the case is going downhill with the resignation of Jalandoni, the prosecuting judge. He was even quoted as saying that there is no hope for the family to see justice done. Whitewashed?

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on May 3^rd, 2006, 3:52am

Latest on this? The Supreme Court ruled out the exclusion of the other 3 accused as mere accessories. According to the Dept. of Justice, Neptali Gonzales, it's for lack of circumstancial evidence. But the SC decided to include all the 4 of them in the trial as principal suspects.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Sep 29^th, 2006, 9:56am

Dratt...it's been a couple of months since they filed their case and up to the present they still don't have a strong case against the alleged rapist. The "victim" just screwed up on this one. It's coz there's probably not a rape case.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Sep 29^th, 2006, 10:00am

Witchy, I have actually started to have the same belief. That's why I choose to just wait of the final result. :P

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Oct 4^th, 2006, 2:31pm

I don't know but from the very start of this case I have already felt that this will just be another unsolve cases, till the lawyers on the "victim"'s side sides get tired of pursuing the case. Some people never learned.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Oct 18^th, 2006, 9:56am

I have been following this case on TV and guess what, the "accused" were interviewed last night and they strongly believe that they will win this case. Heck, they do not even want to apologize and even accused the girl of ruining their lives. Are those the words of guilty persons? I think if I am really guilty I should at least apologize coz it will lessen my guilt and the anger of the defendants.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Oct 19^th, 2006, 11:13am

Oh well, Witchy. I don't want to be with the "accuseds" side but I sometimes blame the "victim". And if those militaries will win, it will certainly affect worse the reputation of Filipinas. You know what I mean.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Oct 28^th, 2006, 6:30pm

Of course, Krissy. And the latest? Those american soldiers are even saying they are ready to forgive the victim if she will choose to apologize. Imagine that? The table is now turned?

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by okasantina on Nov 8^th, 2006, 3:56am

Thats why there is a trial to solve...most of the victims becomes the suspect eh ;D

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Nov 22^nd, 2006, 10:58am

Now the leftist are making the rape case as an excuse to stage a rally. ::),create unrest for the so called "justice". they want to make a hero out of Nicole for going against those "rapists". For what? What has she done to deserve such honor? All she has done is humiliate herself and her family again and again. I wish she would just accept the money and shut up.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by ClumsilyIdiotic on Nov 22^nd, 2006, 3:43pm

Surely there is a way of determining between a 'force entry' and consentual sex. If they can prove that with medical records and such, why go around in cirlces is what I don't understand.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by nOrKAy on Nov 27^th, 2006, 10:09am

Oh well..... justice in the Philippines. >:( >:(

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by ClumsilyIdiotic on Nov 27^th, 2006, 11:44am

Justice is as worse anywhere else, Krissy. A fact that we have to live with. :(

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Dec 1^st, 2006, 7:18am

Don't really know about evidences of "forced entry" but they can't even find witnesses that are credible enough to stand in behalf of Nicole. Even the condom that they found at the site of the "crime" do not even match the semen sample of the accused. From 4 suspects they have narrowed it down to 2, then 1 and still they can't pin him down. And now the Leftist are using Nicole to further their causes. thingyts!

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by ClumsilyIdiotic on Dec 1^st, 2006, 2:12pm

on 12/01/06 at 07:18:29, Wicked_Witch wrote:

Maybe it's the CSI fan in me ;D. If she was raped, she would have sustained injuries, bruises. etc consistent with those (sexually) assaulted. There is a scientific (medical) procedure than can identify but can not be used to confirm if a victim was indeed raped. That does make sense? I think it has something to do with the body's natural reaction to produce a lubricant if you are stimulated before (?) and/or during an intercourse. If it's consentual, naturally, you would help your partner in positioning yourself comfortably.

Anyway, before I confuse myself, I agree with you Edith. If she didn't put herself in the situation where she would be in a company of a stranger, not one but five including the driver??? I'd say she only has herself to blame. Being intoxicated isn't an excuse either. However, I don't agree with her accepting a dime from the other party. It's like adding insult to injury. I understand that you're just being practical?

Just pick up what little dignity she has left and get over it.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by kim on Dec 4^th, 2006, 8:44am

New Update: Daniel Smith convicted while the other 3 are aquited:

OK now for my comment...

I have been in hybernation for a long time in this forum but now i'm back again for a while I think... hehehe

Its hard to read this thread because of the different opinions that we have. But through everone's post i think I would sa AMEN to earthy. Although I respect all the rest coz all of ya are my sisters ;)

Here is another definition of rape to add to what Earthy said:

Rape is the act of forced penetration of any bodily orifice (vaginally, anally, or orally) or forced cunillingous, involving violation of the survivor's body and psychological person. The assault is accomplished by the use of force, the threat of force, or WITHOUT FORCE WHEN THE SURVIVOR IS UNABLE TO PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY GIVE HER OR HIS CONSENT. It is the destruction of a feeling of control over one's body, life, and the course of events. Rape is an experience of violation, degradation, and humiliation. It often infuses the survivors with the shock of their own vulnerability.

Yes she should have been more carefull not to get wildly drunk but no one had the right to take advantage of her.

Yes she was at the bar probably to hook up or to flirt with some marine. But that still doesn't make up as an excuse to be raped.

As Earthy had said NO EXCUSE FOR RAPE.

I don't care if the victim is a nun or a paid sex worker. Rape is still rape.

And i wouldn't want to think that if i go out with my friends at a bar wearing sexy clothes n go drinking that I will now lose my right to cry for help if ever i got raped.

Another sad thing about this whole case is that she was dragged into public by all these so called militant groups that are only using her to get attention. I'm not saying that all the militant groups are the same ;)....

Never the less.... SMITH IS GUILTY and that is good enough for me. ;) ;)

Oh n by the way the definition of rape that i posted here can be found at http://members.tripod.com/lmsurratt/section1.htm... i dont want to be court martialed for posting someone's article ;D ;D

And a reminder from a moderator (even though i'm not in here most of the time ) hehehe..... I just wish that we'd all get along and discus about the TOPIC and not attact eact other personally. I'm not siding on anyone too... just a friendly reminder.... :-*

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Dec 5^th, 2006, 3:17am

Heya kimpot, glad to have you back around here. ;D

Anyway, back to the topic. I am not saying that any woman would ever lose a right to cry rape if she was being forced to have sex against her will. Heck, even a husband can be accuse of rape by the wife if forced into the intimacy of sex. What I am trying to explain here is this:
We now live in a crazy world where people make their own decisions. Meaning, whatever happened to you, you have no one else to blame but yourself. I never denied the fact that that guy, or maybe all those guys have sex with her. My point is, why cry rape? Why subject yourself to humiliation when you are as much to blame as the rest of them? It was just like putting your finger over a burning candle. You know it's hot. But you still did it. You get burned coz you were stupid enough to even think of doing it. If Nicole was abducted from her own house, or school, or while walking in the street, then by all means, I will support her and show my outrage at the offenders. But my God! She went to the bar, has been drinking with the guy, dance and flirted with the guy, gotten herself drunk, and all these happened in front of her OWN companions! Can we honestly say Smith should not have taken advantage of a drunk woman when he happened to be under the influence of alcohol also? Okay, she was the victim, but what if Nicole happened to be the aggressor here? What if in her drunkeness she accidentally shoot Daniel Smith? Should she be acquited because she was drunk and she didn't know what she was doing? We all know that there are some people who can't hold their liqour, but they should still be responsible for their actions, right? She was not an innocent bystander who happened to get hit by a stray bullet. She was right there with him from the very start.
In the movie, Jodie Foster's case is different, because Jodie has protested from the very beginning since she noticed what they were about to do to her. And she was ALONE. It's just that people did not think of helping her.
But Nicole's case is different. She was with a friend and a brother, I think. Heck, Smith was even able to bring her outside the club and inside the van. Look, I am not saying Daniel Smith is innocent. I am merely saying that Nicole is AS GUILTY as Smith. So her "cry" for justice is not justified. Shouldn't her companions be charged as well?
You know what else I think? It's that Daniel Smith has only been made a "sacrificial lamb" so those Nicole "sympathizers" (my ass) would be appeased. It's the reason why the other 3 were acquitted. Because in reality, Nicole's group do not have enough evidence to incriminate Smith or the other 3. But GMA has to do something because the leftists are making a big issue out of it and election time is set for May next year. Heck, 40 years in prison in the Philippines and Smith's face do not even show any sign of worry. Could it be that he had been "briefed" already of the outcome? I will not be surprised if after a year or two, he goes free or "escaped" his prison.
Now I have another worry. The government said it will not affect the relationship between the US and the Philippine Government. But I will not be surprise if the applicants at the US Embassy got denied a visa en masse. If this happens, Nicole has deprived a lot of Filipino people of a chance to have a better life in the US. And all because of ONE woman who doesn't have enough sense to stay out of trouble, or get herlself out of trouble if she got into one.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by major_trouble on Dec 5^th, 2006, 4:40am

Unless we were there we never know what really happen if he is GUILTY why were the other 3 not guilty for abetting I agree thith witchy it is to please the lynch mob and others

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Gracia on Jan 5^th, 2007, 3:44am

We have a well publicized rape case here in Cebu "the Chiong case", where two sisters been abducted in one of the Malls here and was raped by about 8 men and were killed. I'm thankful that all suspects were convicted and I think some of them are in death row. That was a brutal case and the convicts deserved what they got.

All I can say is Smith's case is way too different from Chiong's case.

Note:
Maybe this will serve as lesson to Americans coming to our country, navy or not, if a woman flirts on you, don't jump so easily and if you do, try to be human enough to send her back to her house after the performance. Don't leave her in some remote areas, that will surely hurt her dignity.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by Wicked_Witch on Jan 8^th, 2007, 8:31am

Lol Grace! But I am right in my predictions in my previous statement eh? He has "escaped". Now Daniel Smith is in the custody of the American Embassy. I'm not siding with the Americans here though, I just know that if they have strong evidence against all the accused, she would have won the case. But as it is, there was no rape, just sexual intercourse.

Title: Re: Four US Marines Charged for Raping A Filipino
Post by ClumsilyIdiotic on Feb 14^th, 2007, 11:46am

I meant to write about this right after I got back from my vacation from the Philippines, anyway, here's what I found out.

That this "Nicole" woman isn't even from Olongapo, and that according to local news (or gossip because it's almost impossible to confirm) she told her mother that she's going to Manila (from what I remember) but for whatever reason ended up being in Olongapo just when the Americans were in town.

And, that several weeks after the "rape" thing she was spotted walking along the bay clearly trying to get attention from the American servicemen.

I don't know how much of this is true, but I never really bought into the whole rape thing.