PHL seeks US cooperation in Jeffrey Laude murder case

From GMA News (Dec 15): PHL seeks US cooperation in Jeffrey Laude murder case

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday sought full cooperation from the United States after the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office filed a case for murder against US Marine PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton for the death of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.

“The Prosecutor's investigation proceeded with all deliberate speed. We now await the decision of the court on the issue of probable cause and for the next steps to proceed,” a DFA statement issued by Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

“In accordance with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), we look forward to the full cooperation of the US government in ensuring that justice is secured for Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude,” it added.

Citing the VFA, US military authorities took custody of Pemberton, who was the last person seen with Laude before she was found dead on the night of Oct. 11 in an Olongapo City motel.

The U.S. Marine's involvement as a primary suspect in the recent killing of Laude has reignited anti-US sentiments and has revived calls for the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

The VFA provides for the conduct of joint military exercises between Filipino and American troops in Philippine territory.

Article 5 pertaining to criminal jurisdiction of the VFA states that "custody of any United States personnel over whom the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately reside with United States military authorities, if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings." 

Pemberton, 19, who took part in military exercises that involved more than 3,500 American military personnel, was initially held on board the USS Peleliu.

After consultation by U.S. and Philippine authorities, American officials agreed to discreetly transfer him to a container van at the Aguado compound in Camp Aguinaldo, where he is currently being guarded by U.S. Marines.

 

Philippine Military MPs stand guard at the compound's gate and outside its perimeter.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/392630/news/nation/phl-seeks-us-cooperation-in-jeffrey-laude-murder-case