PHILIPPINE VIEWS ON M/V GOLDEN NORI PIRACY

SECRET S E C R E T MANILA 003615 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/RSA JUN BANDO STATE FOR EAP/RSP E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/06/2017 TAGS: EWWT, IMO, KCRM, PBTS, PGOV, PHSA, PM, PREL, RP, SO, UNSC SUBJECT: PHILIPPINE VIEWS ON M/V GOLDEN NORI PIRACY REF: A. A. STATE 152276 B. B. FERNANDEZ-LAKHDHIR 11/02/07 TELCON C. C. STATE 151235 Classified By: PolCouns Tom Gibbons, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 1. (S) As relayed to Department via ref B telcon, poloff on November 2 delivered to the Department of Foreign Affairs reftel C points regarding the actions of U.S. naval vessels that responded to the Panamanian tanker M/V Golden Nori's call for assistance off the coast of Somalia. The DFA was unable to provide additional information regarding the identity of Filipinos among the crew. Points of contact for the case are Special Assistant Lorenzo Junco and Executive Director Cresente Relacion, of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Worker Affairs. 2. (S) As requested reftel A, poloff on November 7 further discussed the Golden Nori case with Executive Director Cresente Relacion, outlining that the U.S. is considering a range of options, and will continue to consult with affected states regarding any actions. When Mr. Relacion was asked about Philippine legal procedures and precedents that might enable the Philippines to accept custody of, and prosecute, persons apprehended in connection with the piracy of the Golden Nori, Mr. Relacion responded that since the tanker was not Philippine flagged and the incident did not occur in Philippine territorial waters, there was no basis or precedent under Philippine law for prosecution of the pirates. He went on to ask that the Embassy keep the Philippine government apprised of developments in the case. KENNEY