'Nicole' left RP to live normal life - mother

MANILA, Philippines - The mother of Filipina rape victim "Nicole" on Tuesday confirmed that her daughter had already left the country but refused to say if she had migrated to the United States. In his report on GMA News’ “24 Oras," Carlo Lorenzo quoted “Susan" as saying that her daughter left in order to start a new life. “Marami taong naapetukhan so kaming lahat kailangan talagang mag-move on na rin [A lot of people have been affected so we really have to move on]," an emotional “Susan" said. The Makati Regional Trial Court had convicted a US serviceman, Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, for the rape of “Nicole", which occurred in November 2005 in Subic Free Port. “Nicole", in an affidavit on March 12, said she now doubts if Smith did indeed rape her. “Susan" lamented that they have already sacrificed a lot for the case but have received little support from the government. She said her daughter would never have a normal life if she continues to stay in the Philippines. “She's happy dahil nakaalis na siya then makapag move-on na siya. Kasi kung dito sa atin hindi niya talaga magampanan ang kanyang ginawa daily life dahil kahit saan naman siya kilala na siya eh," she said. [“She’s (Nicole) happy because she’s already out of the country. She can now move on with her life."] “Susan" advised her daughter’s critics to leave the issue behind. - GMANews.TV