U.S. warships stay in Philippines amid transgender murder probe

[xunzi]

2 hours ago

MANILA (Reuters) - The commander of U.S. Pacific Command has stopped two of its warships from leaving the Philippines after a U.S. Marine was named as a suspect in the murder of a transgender Filipino he met in a bar, a Philippine official said on Monday.


Admiral Samuel Locklear had ordered the USS Peleliu and another warship to stay in the former U.S. base of Subic Bay until after the murder investigation is over, executive director of the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission, Eduardo Oban, said.

U.S. troops have been taking part in a 10-day military exercise with the Philippines.

A U.S. Marine was in the custody of American military officials aboard USS Peleliu in connection with the case, the U.S. Navy Times said.

A police report said the 26-year-old victim was found strangled on Saturday in a toilet of a hotel room in Olongapo City, the town outside Subic famous for its sleazy bars.

"A U.S. Marine has been identified as a possible suspect in the ongoing investigation," the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. "The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation."

Oban said Locklear was in Manila for an annual security meeting. His order to stop the warships was relayed to Filipino officials by a military advisory group.

The United States and the Philippines in April signed a new 10-year security pact that allows for a larger U.S. military presence in the country as it struggles to raise its defence capabilities amid territorial disputes with China.

"We are committed to do our part to ensure that justice is served," Philippine Foreign Ministry spokesman Charles Jose said after being informed about the crime.

In 2005, a U.S. Marine was accused of raping a Filipino woman in Subic Bay. He was convicted by a lower court but an appeals court reversed the ruling after the woman recanted her statement.

(Reporting By Manuel Mogato; Editing by Nick Macfie)

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As expected, the US marine is starting to cause trouble in place they station again. LOL

 

[xunzi]

Ya building and stealing resources is not problematic for everyone as long china has it all.

playing this just to change the subject of your crimes is just the low nice try prick

I speak only the truth. The US only return to Phillipines for what? Maybe half a year and already cause trouble. LOL Wait until they station more troops and you see what we are all talking about.

 

[Desertfalcon]

It's a sad and tragic murder. Nothing more. I hope they indict and convict whoever is responsible.

 

[Aepsilons]

I hope they can resolve this as expeditiously as possible. RIP to the dead person.

 

[WuMaoCleverbot]

OLONGAPO MURDER. CCTV footage shows the victim, Jeffrey Laude, and the suspect now identified as "PFC Jeffrey Scott Pemberton" in a bar before the crime allegedly happened in Celzone Lodge, Olongapo City.
PNP names US Marine tagged in Olongapo slay
Published 12:54 PM, Oct 14, 2014

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Philippine National Police on Tuesday, October 14, identified the US Navy man suspected in the killing of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City.

In a press conference, PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor idenfitied him as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton. (READ: EDCA, Olongapo murder, and the old case of Daniel Smith)

Pemberton is suspected to have killed 26-year-old Jennifer Laude on October 11 at a lodging house in Olongapo City. (READ: Olongapo slay suspect admitted he ‘did something wrong’ – mayor)

US and Philippine officials had previously not named the suspect, only saying that he “is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.”

Olongapo police said Pemberton was identified after coordination with the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Pemberton was then identified by a witness through a photo line-up, Olongapo police said in their report. The October 14 report was signed by Senior Superintendent Faronilmo delos Reyes of the Olongapo City police office.
“A case of murder is being readied against the suspect,” noted the report, which listed Pemberton as the suspect in the slay.

Laude, according to an earlier police report signed by Police Chief Inspector Gil Arizo Domingo, was found dead on the floor of a comfort room in Celzone Lodge

Police said her head "was leaning" against the toilet bowl, while her "lower body was partially covered with a color cream blanket" since she was naked. Police said they saw injuries on Laude's neck.

The US Embassy earlier vowed they would investigate the alleged involvement of the US Marine in the death of Laude, and said "currently looking into these allegations and working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take all necessary steps to help identify the suspects."

The US Marine is currently in the custody of the United States. – Bea

PNP names US Marine tagged in Olongapo slay

 

[Cossack25A1]

I already expect the so-called "patriots" protesting in front of the US Embassy not only to protest the murder but also demonize the US to call for them to get out of the country...

Funny thing, they are the same "patriots" that is suspiciously silent when China does something.

 

[Cossack25A1]

You should ask ur government or "patriots" like you to prepare "comfort women" to solve the problem. Do you have a sister or a mother?

Oh now trying to use personal insults now eh?

 

[Cossack25A1]

You think this is personal? Haven't you got enough memmory of ur hsitory?

I am aware of what the Japanese did to my country and what the Americans did. You don't need to remind me of history. Mayber you should look at yours.

 

[Nike]

Chinese is no better than American, is just American has an open society in which everything can be known by the masses

 

[Aepsilons]

I wonder the motive. Perhaps the American marine found out that lady wasn't really a 'lady'.

 

[senheiser]

americans and tolerant? seems he killed her after waking up and seeing he isnt as straight as the Army wants him to be.

 

[cnleio]

In someone's eyes, the American is really their GOD, even murder from the U.S.A

Just enjoy it.

 

[Desertfalcon]

...he isnt as straight as the Army wants him to be.

He is a marine, not army and they no longer care if their troops are straight...

In blue countries, gays can serve in the military. In red countries, they cannot.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Sexual_orientation_and_military_by_country.png

 

[Cossack25A1]

Nothing about Japan. Ph had enough experience of US soldiers' presence and their sex desires that impacted on ur society. We all know what would happen when you got American GIs in the neighborhood. It's you who tried to politicize this event. Stick to the report.

Because someone people will politicize this issue later, whether it will be started by a Chinese member, a Filipino member or someone else. Better start it immediately so that no one would do it later.

And with the exception of the purpose of condemning the suspect, why would anyone other than the PH and US, who are involved in this issue, would be interested?

 

[vietnamese_sausage]

Not surprising at all, they have been causing problems from time to time in host countries such as South Korea, Okinawa etc.
Vietcong will experience the same sh!t after switching side and become US pet.

i want the vcp to become history.