Attitudes to rape still out of touch with the law, say activists, as priest speaks up for 'junior Tom Cruise'
When US Marine Lance-Corporal Daniel Smith was convicted of raping a Filipino woman on December 4, Queenie Nuno says she cried herself to sleep.
'Hello Dan,' she wrote to Smith in an e-mail last week. 'You are the victim here ... [of] this damn whore woman,' she said referring to his rape victim, identified only by the pseudonym Nicole.
She is not alone in her admiration for Smith. Chocolates and fan mail arrive at Makati City Jail, where Smith is being held.
Candles have been lit outside the jail in an impromptu shrine for the young marine. His supporters are mainly women.
An e-mail account has been set up to collect messages of support for Smith, with the access password being circulated by his supporters.
