US Envoy: Pemberton Should be in US Custody

Following the issuance of the arrest warrant on Tuesday against Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, the Marine charged for the killing of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, US envoy to Manila on Wednesday said Pemberton should be in US custody.

Ambassador Philip Goldberg, through GMA News Online report, was quoted saying this is contained in the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement adding that the said agreement requires the custody to be with the US.

On Tuesday, an arrest was issued against Pemberton after Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office filed a murder case against him for the Laude killing.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the warrant was served to Pemberton at the US Embassy Tuesday night.

DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima said the Philippine government will move to acquire sole custody over Pemberton, report said.

Source: GMA News Online