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US insists on Pemberton’s custody
On Wednesday, the US rejected the Philippine government’s request to have custody over Pemberton, who is facing a murder charge before the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court in connection with Laude’s killing.
In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said the Visiting Forces Agreement between the US and the Philippines gives American authorities "the right to retain custody of a suspect from the commission of the alleged offense until completion of all judicial proceedings.”
Under the VFA, the custody of a US soldier accused of committing a crime on Philippine soil “shall immediately reside with the United States military authorities, if they so request, from the commission of the offense until the completion of all judicial proceedings.”
The same agreement states “confinement or detention by Philippine authorities of United States personnel shall be carried out in facilities agreed on by appropriate Philippine and United States authorities. “
Pemberton is now being held at a US facility inside Camp Aguinaldo, "under guard of US military personnel, with perimeter security provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines."
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Police in Olongapo City have finalized security preparations for a possible court appearance on Friday of Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, the Marine charged with murder for the killing of transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.
Olongapo City police spokesperson Inspector Vivian Reyes said uniformed police, including anti-riot teams, are prepared to deal with protesters and potential trouble.
"Regarding the security preparations, prepared na kami for that. We are expecting (rallyists) kasi noong nakaraan meron na. This time we are expecting mas marami sila," Reyes told radio dzBB's Divine Reyes.
According to Reyes, they are not discounting the possibility several militant groups will show up Friday to demand that Pemberton be placed in Philippine custody.
She also said they will coordinate with the US Naval Forces in securing the court where Pemberton will be presented.
According to Reyes, the Olongapo police will deploy more than 100 uniformed personnel, including the Special Action Force, Explosives and Ordnance Division, Special Weapons and Tactics, and Public Safety Battalion.
They will work with "force multipliers" including the Philippine Red Cross, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and traffic management officials.
Earlier, representatives from the US Naval Forces inspected the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74.