Rappler
VFA side agreement now up for Malacañang review, says Lorenzana
The Philippines is seeking a provision within the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that would allow the country to take custody of American soldiers convicted of crimes committed in the Philippines.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that the Department of National Defense supports this proposed amendment, which is now under review by the Office of the President.
The Presidential Commission for the VFA also backs the provision, which aims to address the contentious issue of custody over erring US soldiers.
This move follows public scrutiny renewed in 2020 after President Duterte pardoned US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was convicted of the murder of Jennifer Laude.
The VFA, established in 1999, governs the treatment of US military personnel visiting the Philippines for joint exercises, training, and humanitarian missions.
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