Transgender Slay Suspect Transferred to Camp Aguinaldo-AFP

After allowed by the United States government, Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the killing of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, was transferred on Wednesday in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

Pemberton arrived at Camp Aguinaldo in a helicopter at 8:45 am, AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said. Catapang said Pemberton arrived at Camp Aguinaldo from his temporary detention facility aboard a US warship in Subic.

Report said Pemberton was handcuffed when he was brought to Camp Aguinaldo.

Catapang said the AFP received custody of Pemberton at 8:45 am adding that Pemberton will be detained in a 20-footer air-conditioned container van inside the camp while the preliminary investigation of his murder case is ongoing.

Catapang also said the Pemberton will be detained at the Mutual Defense Board Security Engagement Facility inside the camp while the preliminary investigation is ongoing.

At a press briefing, the AFP chief of staff said the suspect will be sleeping in a military-type camp bed with an air-conditioned system.

When asked if Pemberton will be allowed to use a mobile phone, Catapang said they may still discuss the matter.

He added that it will be up to the court to decide on the appropriate detention facility once a case has been filed against the accused.

Pemberton faces a murder complaint for the killing of Laude earlier this month.

On Tuesday, Pemberton did not show up in the preliminary investigation over the murder complaint lodged against him before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office despite the subpoena served by the Philippine government to the US Embassy last Oct. 17 ordering him to submit a counter-affidavit.

Pemberton’s lawyers said their client is allowed within 10 days under Philippine criminal case procedures to submit an affidavit within 10 days upon receipt of the subpoena.

The Unites States on Wednesday allowed Pemberton to be detained at a Philippine military facility, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Source: GMA News Online