CREDIT: REUTERS/ERIK DE CASTRO
Family members and the boyfriend of a murdered transgender Filipino gathered outside the detention facility where the U.S. serviceman accused of killing him is allegedly being held on Wednesday (October 22) demanding to see proof he is on Philippine soil.
Earlier on Wednesday, the United States had transferred U.S. Private First ClassJoseph Scott Pemberton to a detention facility under U.S. guard at the main headquarters of the Philippines’ Armed Forces.
Pemberton is accused of murdering Jeffrey Laude, who also went by the name of Jennifer, in Olongapo City, about 50 km north of Manila.
The sister and German boyfriend of Laude climbed over the fence leading to the detention facility where Pemberton was being held and confronted the Filipino soldiers guarding the compound.
Harry Roque, one of Laude’s lawyers, said they wanted to see the accused, who has yet to appear publicly after a non-appearance during the preliminary investigation on Tuesday (October 21).
“We do not understand why these Americans are barring us from seeing who is the suspect of killing. I’m here with the mother of Jennifer and all she wants is the satisfaction of seeing that the person who killed her son is in fact in Philippine soil.”, Roque said.
“I’m sorry but it is not allowed to come inside. This is a military facility, and even other soldiers are not given clearance to come inside. I’m very sorry to the family, as we soldiers are just following orders.”, the Philippines Armed Forces spokesperson Harold Cabunoc told reporters.
Pemberton was transferred to the facility from USS Peleliu, an amphibious assault vessel, which has since been given permission to leave the Philippines.
Colonel Brad Bartelt, spokesperson for the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, said Pemberton would remain in U.S. custody in line with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.
The Philippines has said it expects to get custody of Pemberton once he is formally charged in court and any trial begins.
[Reuters]
