US marine in Olongapo slay identified

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday identified the United States Marine tagged in the killing of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City.

In a memorandum, the PNP identified the American soldier as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton of the US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 9th Marines assigned at WestPac Express.

The PNP memo said the suspect was positively identified by witness Mark Clarence Gelviro through a line-up process provided by a representative of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

A case of murder is being readied for filing against the suspect, the memo added.

Pemberton was reportedly on furlough after participating in a naval drill between Filipino and US forces in Zambales, when he allegedly killed Jennifer Laude, 26, in Room 1 of Celzone Lodge on Magsaysay Boulevard.

Earlier reports said the two met in a disco in Subic and checked into the motel. Before midnight, Pemberton was seen leaving while Laude was found naked in the bathroom, with the head resting on the rim of the toilet bowl.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, the US Embassy in Manila said Pemberton is being held onboard the USS Peleliu while a joint Naval Criminal Investigative Service and PNP is conducted.

"The United States will continue to fully cooperate with Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation," the embassy added.

The embassy also expressed its condolences to the Laude's family and friends.