O 270841Z FEB 07

FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5442

UNCLAS MANILA 000645

SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES ASKS FOR HELP ON EXTRAJUDICIAL

KILLINGS

REF: A. MANILA 609 (NOTAL)

¶B. MANILA 573 (NOTAL)
¶C. MANILA 468 (NOTAL)

¶1. (SBU) The Department of Foreign Affairs has

shared with Embassy copies of letters dated January
31 to the resident Ambassadors of Finland, Germany,
Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the
Netherlands, requesting technical assistance
as the Philippine government investigates and tries
to resolve extrajudicial and other "unexplained"
killings, following recommendations from the
Presidentially-appointed Melo Commission (refs).
(Full text of identical letters in para 2.)
Separately, Norway, which has been unsuccessfully
trying to facilitate peace talks between the
Philippine government and the Communist Party of
the Philippines and the National Democratic Front,
privately expressed interest to Pol/C in exploring
additional assistance, perhaps financial support to
the Philippine Department of Justice's expanded
witness protection program. Embassy will continue
to consult with counterparts in Manila about
possible new assistance from these and other
countries, as well as to explain ongoing USG
efforts, including expanded aid to the Philippine
Commission on Human Rights and strategic reform
programs for the military, police, and judiciary.

¶2. (U) Text of request letters

Quote

31 January 2007

Excellency,

In an effort to address the concerns of the

international community on the so-called
unexplained killings in the Philippines, I have
the honor to inform you that the Government of
the Republic of the Philippines would welcome
any technical assistance that could be extended
by the (name of country), to facilitate and
expedite the work of the Melo Commission.

I wish also to inform Your Excellency that we

have conveyed to other EU member-states that we
welcome similar assistance, as previously
offered during the 28 November 2006 briefing on
the matter. It is hoped that, with the various
experiences and expertise each government has on
such issues, all cases will be resolved soon
with due diligence.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances

of my highest consideration.
 /s/ Albert G. Romulo
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs

End quote

Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website:

http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index.cfm

You can also access this site through the State

Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http://
www.state.sgov.gov/

KENNEY

(Edited and reformatted by Andres for ease of

reading.)