PHL transmits custody request of US Marine charged of killing Filipino transgender

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17): PHL transmits custody request of US Marine charged of killing Filipino transgender

The Philippine government has formally asked US authorities to turn over to Manila the custody of US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is facing charges for the alleged murder of a Filipino transgender woman in October.

In a statement, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the request, contained in a diplomatic note, was sent to the US Embassy in Manila on Tuesday night.

“We served the note verbale demanding custody last night, the same time we served the arrest warrant,” Jose said.

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Pemberton for the alleged murder of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude on Oct. 11. Pemberton is detained in a Philippine military facility in Camp Aguinaldo, but the US said they retain custody over him.

Witnesses saw Pemberton enter a motel in Olongapo City with Laude, who was later found dead, her head slumped on a toilet bowl. Investigators said Laude, who suffered severe bruises in her head and body, was drowned.

Jose said the Philippine government expects an official response from the US although its embassy has already declared in a statement that Pemberton will remain under its supervision.

"We're still waiting for it," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=717237