Laude crime scene inspected today

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – Prosecutors investigating the death of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude will conduct an ocular inspection today of the Ambyanz Bar where the victim and US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton met before the victim was found dead later that night.

Olongapo City Prosecutor Emilie Fe delos Santos, head of the prosecution team, said during the second preliminary investigation that they would rule on probable cause after an ocular inspection of the places where Laude and Pemberton were seen together last Oct. 11.

Pemberton’s lawyers earlier filed a motion to declare the absence of probable cause for murder or any other crime.

Delos Santos, however, rejected the plea and said the prosecution panel will rule on probable cause after completing the process.

The family of Laude had earlier filed murder charges against Pemberton before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office.

Pemberton was among the participants in the recently held US-Philippine military exercises in Zambales and was on liberty when he met Laude at the Ambyanz Night Life Bar along Magsaysay Avenue.

The two subsequently checked in at the nearby Celzone Lodge, where Laude was later found dead.

Local businesses disappointed

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) had reported earlier the cancellation of nine scheduled port calls by US Navy ships that caused so much disappointment to local businessmen, who had been preparing for the rest and recreation activities in Olongapo City and nearby areas of the American servicemen.

“This anticipated visit could have meant a better Christmas for the business owners and their employees but after the cancellation, one can imagine the disappointed faces,” the SBFCC said in a statement.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino described the death of Laude as unfortunate but believes it should not affect the liberty privileges of the US servicemen.

“People here look forward to the liberty of US troops because their businesses make good money, including the jeepney drivers, the tricycle drivers and even the vendors,” Paulino told The STAR.

He said the tourism and business sectors of the city suffered heavily in the aftermath of the Laude murder.

Paulino said it is important that justice for Laude prevails but it is necessary that life in the city gets back to normal and it is time to move forward.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) confirmed the cancellation of port calls of the US Navy vessels.

Citing a report from Global Terminals and Development, Inc., which operates ports here and provides service to US Navy ships, the SBMA said four ships were supposed to visit Subic this month and five more in December.

SBMA said the port visits were “put on hold until further notice.”

The SBFCC said the death of Laude has not only had social and political impact, but an economic chain reaction as well.

Beth Moraleda, 45, manager of a club along Magsaysay Avenue, said she couldn’t understand why the business sector in the city has to suffer from the death of one person.

“These American soldiers should not be blamed for what happened to Jennifer. They need to be allowed to enjoy their time when they are here,” Moraleda said.

“The ban on liberty has seriously affected our business, as nowadays only a handful come to our small bar compared to a fully occupied bar when there are US soldiers around,” club manager Nestor Aquipel said. – Jaime Laude