Pemberton Underwent Booking But No Arraignment Held

Murder suspect Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton underwent booking procedures on Friday.

However, his arraignment did not push through as Pemberton’s camp filed a motion to suspend proceedings before the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court, report said.

GMA News Online report said lawyer Virgie Suarez, the Laude family’s legal counsel, said the court has yet to decide on the motion. Olongapo RTC is set to hear Pemberton’s motion to suspend proceedings on December 22, it added.

Suarez said they will ask the court to transfer Pemberton to a regular detention cell.

The booking process included a medical examination, and taking his fingerprints and mugshot.

RTC Branch 74 Clerk of Court Atty. Gerry Gruspe said a commitment order has been issued for Pemberton to remain detained at a US facility in Camp Aquinaldo, report said.

Security was tight at the Olongapo City RTC on Friday morning for the arraignment of Pemberton. Media was not allowed inside the courtroom during the supposed arraignment, report said.