Group wants Pemberton in regular jail, not in AFP facility

MANILA, Philippines - Not contented that US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton is now being held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines, women's rights group Gabriela on Wednesday said the American soldier should have been transferred to a regular jail.

 

Pemberton is the principal suspect in the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude inside an inn in Subic, Zambales.

 

"If jurisdiction was indeed turned over to Philippine authorities as the US and Philippine governments would like us to believe, he (Pemberton) should be in police custody and detained in an ordinary jail which criminals like him deserve," the group said in a statement.

 

The group alleged that the Philippine and US governments have been forced to transfer Pemberton to the Mutual Defense Board Security Engagement Facility as provided for under the Visiting Forces Agreement because of mounting pressure from various people's groups.

 

Contrary to the pronouncement of the US government that it would cooperate in the probe into the killing of Laude, the group claimed that detaining Pemberton inside the military facility is a "special treatment" for the suspect.

 

Gabriela chairperson Liza Maza believes that Pemberton inside the AFP headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo is merely for "show."

 

"Pemberto is still under US custody and being guarded by US forces although he's inside Philippine territory in Camp Aguinaldo. I think they want to put up this show that will look like we have custody of Pemberton but in reality we don't have (custody). They are fooling the people," Maza said in a text message.

 

In a statement issued after Pemberton's transfer, the United States embassy that the American soldier is still under its custody.