Laude or Pemberton: Netizens take sides on Olongapo slay case

MANILA, Philippines - While United States (US) Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton is being investigated for the killing of Filipino Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, social media users have taken sides on the case.

 

Groups supporting both sides on the Olongapo slay case have sprouted on social networking site Facebook through pages "Justice For Jennifer Laude" and "Support For Joseph Scott Pemberton".

 

Twitter users also expressed their opinion on the case.

 

I am Jennifer Laude. All Filipinos are as vulnerable as Jennifer Laude. Period. #justiceforjenniferlaude

— carlosceldran (@carlosceldran) October 17, 2014

Beautiful sunset on expressway. But when will sun set on hate crimes because of discrimination against SOGI? :( Justice for Jennifer Laude!

— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) October 14, 2014

Justice for our transgender sister Jennifer Laude. pic.twitter.com/4NJHCbjUBV

— Perci Cendana (@PerciCen) October 13, 2014

Some groups are calling to junk the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) because of the incident while others claim that it is a hate crime against members of the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders) community.

There is so much complexity in reading Laude's case, but the bottomline is: More than VFA issue, this is HATE CRIME against trans people.

— Heart Diño (@HEARTdino) October 18, 2014

You may disagree with leftists about the VFA but you have to face the reality about the impact of VFA provisions to Jennifer Laude's case.

— Tonyo Cruz (@tonyocruz) October 21, 2014

In investigating #JenniferLaude murder, US & PHL govts should remember that both countries supported a UN reso condemning violence vs LGBTs.

— jonas bagas (@jonasbagas) October 13, 2014

The US Embassy in Manila expressed their condolences for Laude's family and assured that they will work closely with the Philippine government to ensure that justice is served.

To the family and friends of Jennifer Laude, we offer our heartfelt condolences for your loss.

— U.S. Embassy Manila (@usembassymanila) October 14, 2014

We continue to fully cooperate & collaborate with PHL authorities in all aspects of the case concerning the death of Jennifer Laude.

— Ambassador Goldberg (@AMBGoldberg) October 19, 2014