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October 22, 2014

Philippines: U.S. Marine Accused of Murder Moved to Base, Still in U.S. Custody 
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A U.S. marine suspected of murdering a transgender woman in the
Philippines has been transferred to a military camp in Manila after
protesters said he was receiving special treatment. Joseph Scott
Pemberton was previously being kept on a U.S. Navy ship while Philippine
authorities investigate the murder of Jennifer Laude. He has been moved
to an air-conditioned van where he is guarded by fellow marines.
Protests have targeted the Visiting Forces Agreement which lets U.S.
soldiers in the Philippines remain in U.S. custody throughout judicial
proceedings. President Benigno Aquino defended the accord.

President Benigno Aquino: "The treaty serves a purpose for our country,
as it serves a purpose for America. And we are imperfect beings, and
this is an imperfect world. One instance of things that nobody, I
believe, really wants to happen has happened, but the tragedy will be
settled, in that the guilty will be made to answer for the crime."

 

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