The Philippines has formally demanded custody of the six US marines accused of raping a 22-year- old Filipino woman at the Subic Bay former US navy base early this month.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis told a congressional committee on US-Philippine Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that a verbal note was transmitted to the US Embassy in Manila on Wednesday demanding custody of the six suspects.

But he refused to reveal the details of the request, saying that it involves "national security implications" and that US embassy officials suggested the Philippine side not to reveal it to the public.

"If I divulge that might affect their decision. They suggested that we keep it under wraps," he said.

He pointed out that the alleged rape was an "extraordinary case " wherein the Philippines can demand custody.

The VFA was signed in 1998 by the Philippine and US government allowing US troops to visit the Philippines on a regular basis.

US embassy has confirmed receiving the request from the Philippine authorities, but said the suspects will remain under custody of the embassy for the time being.

"The embassy has to consult with Washington regarding this request. At the moment the US marines will remain US custody," said embassy spokesman Matthew Lussenhop.

A prosecutor in Olongapo city in Subic Bay has subpoenaed the suspects to his office on Nov. 23 in preliminary investigation on the complaint filed by the alleged victim.

The alleged victim said she was raped in a moving van on Nov.1 by the six suspects at the Subic Bay some 90 kilometers northwest of Manila.

The marines had just participated in a joint military exercise with Filipino troops at the Subic Bay last month. They are reportedly being kept under custody of the US embassy in Manila.

Source: Xinhua