Laude family's lawyer claims 'American spy' stalking him

MANILA, Philippines — Human rights lawyer Harry Roque on Monday claimed that an American has been stalking him since he took the murder case of Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude last week.

"Siguradong siguradong Amerikano po 'yun," Roque said in an interview with radio dzMM. "Ang tindig po niya ay tindig-sundalo."

Roque said he would notice the American wherever he would go since taking the case last week.

"Nagpunta po ako sa tanggapan ng piskalaya, matapos ko pong makipagpulong, siya naman ang pumasok. Nagpunta po ako sa kapulisan, matapos akong makipagpulong, siya naman ang pumasok," Roque said.

The lawyer filed a murder complaint before the Olongapo City Prosecutor's office against Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is being held aboard US amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu docked at the Subic Bay free port.

"Nagpunta po ako sa bahay ng isang testigo, paglabas ng bahay, nakita ko nandun na naman siya bagama't hindi siya pumasok," he added.

The incident prompted him to ask for the admission of their potential primary witness, who carries the alias "Barbie," to the government's Witness Protection Program.

Roque said he is also planning to place the entire family of Laude under state protection.

While admitting he attempted to confront the alleged spy, Roque said he hesitated after being dissuaded by his colleagues who fear further complications in the high-profile case.

Roque, a University of the Philippines professor who accepted the case last week, is known for his objections against the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement in 2006 at the height of the trial against US Marines allegedly involved in raping "Nicole," a Filipino, in Pampanga.

"Barbie" reportedly saw Pemberton with Laude before the victim was found dead in a motel room on October 11.

The US Embassy, meanwhile, said Sunday that Pemberton and other US witnesses will not likely appear in the preliminary investigation on Monday as they have "already met their current legal obligations." - Camille Diola