Pinay raped by US soldier in Japan, DFA confirms

The Philippine embassy in Tokyo has confirmed reports that a Filipina has complained of having been raped by a US serviceman in Okinawa, Japan, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Claro Cristobal said on Friday. Cristobal said Consul General to Tokyo Sulpicio Confiado informed the DFA that an official will be dispatched to Okinawa to assist the Philippine honorary consulate in Naha extend full consular assistance and other needed support to the Filipina. The Japanese Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday that a "US Army member (has been) held for allegedly assaulting Philippine woman." Reports said the Filipina was assaulted around middle of February in a hotel in Japan’s southern prefecture where about 20,000 US troops are stationed. The alleged sexual assault is the latest incident in Okinawa involving US troops after a 38-year-old Marine staff sergeant Tyrone Luther Hadnott was arrested last week for allegedly raping a 14-year-old Japanese schoolgirl. Following the recent string of complaints and protests from Japan, the US military imposed a curfew on all US troops including their families based in Okinawa. “We take such incidents and allegations very seriously. To prevent further occurrences, I have ordered additional training for all Marines regarding expectations of behavior and conduct," said Marine Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer in a statement last week. Zilmer, the top US commander in Okinawa, ordered all members of the military and their families to stay in their bases or off-base residences until further notice. “It is my sincere hope that the Japanese people understand this alleged behavior is counter to the core values that Marines live by and I truly hope this incident does not overshadow the US-Japan relationship that we value so much," he added. – GMANews.TV