US Rejects PHL Request Over Pemberton Custody

The United States on Wednesday has rejected the Philippines request for custody over Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is charged of murder in the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

The US embassy on Tuesday night received the letter from Department of Foreign Affairs’ asking for the Philippine government to have custody over Pemberton after the warrant of arrest was issued by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court on Monday.

Earlier, US envoy to Manila 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