Pemberton makes first court appearance in Olongapo

MANILA, Philippines - US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the killing of transgender Jennifer Laude, arrived Friday morning for his arraignment on the murder case before a local court in Olongapo City.

A radio report said a three-vehicle convoy that Pemberton left the Armed Forces of the Philippines general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, around 3 a.m. and arrived at the Olongapo City Hall of Justice around 5 a.m.

Pemberton, who was heavily guarded by soldiers and policemen, underwent fingerprinting and mugshots as a protocol before his arraignment, reports said. 

The US Marine's arraignment was set after the Olongapo City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to file murder charges against Pemberton. 

It will be first time Pemberton to appear before the Olongapo City court since the alleged killing happened inside a motel last October 11. 

There are proposals to move Pemberton to a regular jail.

The US embassy, however, insisted custody over Pemberton, citing the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement which governs all US servicemen who committed crimes.