American tries to burn down RP embassy in Washington
An American who allegedly tried to burn down the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC early last month has been arrested by US officials, an embassy report said Tuesday.
In its report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the suspect was identified as John Swallow, a frequent visitor to the Philippine mission who was once married to a Filipina.
He is from Arlington, Virginia.
The report said that after conducting an investigation, the arson charge against Swallow was dismissed by the US Attorney’s Office due to lack of evidence.
"Swallow was only charged with unlawful entry, which is punishable by a jail term of six months," the report said.
Swallow is currently undergoing psychiatric tests to determine his mental state and has been placed in the custody of the US Secret Service.
Embassy officials are still clueless on the motive behind the attempted arson.
According to the report, Swallow entered the embassy building at 1617 Massachusetts Avenue at 7 a.m. on September 5 carrying an undetermined quantity of gasoline.
The arson attempt was foiled by Consul General Ding Nolasco, who saw Swallow pouring gasoline around the embassy building, the report said.
Nolaso called the US Secret Service, which is in charge of security of all foreign missions in Washington DC, which sent agents who arrested Swallow.
Following the incident, Filipino officials in Washington said they have beefed up security in the embassy and have asked for additional security gadgets such as cameras and monitors from Manila. - GMANews.TV
In its report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the suspect was identified as John Swallow, a frequent visitor to the Philippine mission who was once married to a Filipina.
He is from Arlington, Virginia.
The report said that after conducting an investigation, the arson charge against Swallow was dismissed by the US Attorney’s Office due to lack of evidence.
"Swallow was only charged with unlawful entry, which is punishable by a jail term of six months," the report said.
Swallow is currently undergoing psychiatric tests to determine his mental state and has been placed in the custody of the US Secret Service.
Embassy officials are still clueless on the motive behind the attempted arson.
According to the report, Swallow entered the embassy building at 1617 Massachusetts Avenue at 7 a.m. on September 5 carrying an undetermined quantity of gasoline.
The arson attempt was foiled by Consul General Ding Nolasco, who saw Swallow pouring gasoline around the embassy building, the report said.
Nolaso called the US Secret Service, which is in charge of security of all foreign missions in Washington DC, which sent agents who arrested Swallow.
Following the incident, Filipino officials in Washington said they have beefed up security in the embassy and have asked for additional security gadgets such as cameras and monitors from Manila. - GMANews.TV
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
