PHL to Take Custody of US Marine Suspect of Transgender Slay

The Philippine government will assert on taking custody over the US Marine who was linked in the killing of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City last week.

Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACOM), Eduardo Oban, said the government would likely request the United States to turn over Private First Class Joseph Pemberton once the case against him was formally filed.

Oban said it’s a matter of time when they will submit their position to the rightful American authorities.

Authorities are set to file formal charges against Pemberton today.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. express hopes that the US would turn over Pemberton to Philippine authorities.

Private First Class Joseph Pemberton is currently in the custody of the US military and detained on board the USS Peleliu in Subic Bay in Zambales.

On Tuesday, report said the Philippine National Police identified Pemberton as the suspect in the killing after he was positively identified by witness Mark Clarence Gelviro through a photo line-up process. The PNP added that a murder case is being prepared against the Pemberton.

Oban said they have the physical custody of the suspect but the VFA provision clearly states that American authorities shall make available such personnel without delay when his presence is needed in investigative or judicial proceedings.

Pemberton was implicated in the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey Laude, who was found dead in an Olongapo City pension last Saturday.

Source: GMA News Online