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Smith supporters hold vigil in Makati


While many Filipinos in Metro Manila went Christmas shopping Friday night, wives of American soldiers in the Philippines held a vigil for convicted L/Cpl Daniel Smith outside the Makati City Jail. QTV-11 television reported that the group, calling itself "Justice for Smith," lighted candles outside the jail while Smith's spiritual adviser Fr. James Reuter said a Mass for them. "He is closer to God," it quoted Reuter, who continues to be Smith's adviser even with Smith now staying at the Makati City Jail, as saying. The group also gave Smith exercise equipment for him to use while he is in jail. Smith has been in the city jail since December 4, when he was convicted for raping a 23-year-old woman in Subic in November 2005. Smith gave his supporters a written note where he thanked them for their prayers and support and where he admitted this was "one of the hardest times of my life." The US embassy is asking for custody of Smith, citing the Visiting Forces Agreement, but Makati judge Benjamin Pozon junked the petition. The US embassy has brought the case to the Court of Appeals. -GMANews.TV

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