Harry Roque cries 'special treatment' over Pemberton's air-conditioned detention

MANILA, Philippines - There is nothing spectacular about the container van where United States Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect on the killing of transgender Jeffrey Laude, is detained.

The van, however, is way more comfortable and spacious than congested local jail facilities, where the victim’s loved ones want the suspect detained.

The 20-foot peach container van is located at the Mutual Defense Board – Security Engagement Board facility along P. Santos Ave. in Camp Aguinaldo. It is adjacent to the camp’s driving range, a putting area for golfers.

A video released Wednesday by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) show that the container van has a white interior with an air-conditioning system and a military type cot-bed.

A nearby air-conditioned van contains the bathroom facilities that Pemberton and six soldiers securing him can use. It has two toilets, a urinal, two lavatories, hand dryer and soap dispenser.

Pemberton’s detention facility is being secured by two Filipino soldiers and four American servicemen.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said they won’t be spending anything for the maintenance of the vans.

“They (US) will shoulder the expenses including the utility bills,” Cabunoc said in an interview.

“We will only provide them the location and security personnel,” he added.

The US previously said it won’t be seeking special treatment for Pemberton.

The lawyer of the Laude family, however, are not buying the claim.

“He (Pemberton) is not detained in a regular facility. His container is air-conditioned. He is just beside a golf course,” said Harry Roque, counsel for the Laude family.

“It is not true that he is not receiving special treatment,” he added.