US Marine identified, faces murder raps

MANILA, Philippines - The US Marine tagged in the murder of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City last Saturday has been identified as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

A report prepared by the Olongapo City Police said authorities were able to secure the identity of the suspect “after coordination with the United States Naval Criminal Investigation Service.”

Pemberton’s superiors took him into custody on the USS Peleliu after the killing of 26-year-old Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude in a motel in Olongapo City shortly before midnight last Saturday.

Pemberton’s latest assignment was with the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines.

He is now being held on board the Peleliu docked in Subic Bay. Pemberton was among the hundreds of US servicemen who took part in the recent naval exercise between US and Filipino forces in Zambales.

Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said a witness identified Pemberton from a photo line-up.

“He was positively identified by witness Mark Clarence Gelviro. A case of murder is being readied for filing against the suspect,” Mayor said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

“Considering that he is already identified, all facts are sufficient, necessary charges will be filed against him. Let the court decide in the appreciation of the evidence,” he said.

Mayor said a special task force has been created to look into the killing of Laude.

He said that Pemberton is likely to remain in the custody of the US Navy based on a provision in the Visiting Forces of Agreement.

Mayor said such provision states that while the US Navy maintains custody of the suspect, Philippine courts would try him for the crime he is charged.

Mayor said the local police have yet to determine the motive for the killing.

“As of now, what’s important is (the suspect was) positively identified by a witness. Under the law, even a lone witness, as long as he’s credible, can be sufficient already in the filing of the case,” he added.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino, in a radio interview, said the suspect immediately invoked his right to counsel after admitting having done “something wrong.”

After having some drinks at the Ambyanz Disco bar on Magsaysay Street, Laude and Pemberton checked into the Celzone Lodge nearby at around 10:45 p.m.

Hotel cashier Elias Galamos discovered the murder before midnight shortly after Pemberton had left the hotel without Laude. With Jaime Laude, Ric Sapnu, Bebot Sison Jr.