Arroyo justifies transfer of US Marine

A row has broken out in the Philippines over the transfer of a US marine convicted of rape into US custody, though President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said yesterday the move was aimed at preserving bilateral ties.

Critics say the transfer of Lance-Corporal Daniel Smith from a Manila jail to the custody of the US Embassy on December 29 amounted to contempt of court since no tribunal had granted the required permission.

Arroyo said it was a decision taken by the executive.