US vows full cooperation but mum on custody

MANILA, Philippines - There was no word from the US government yesterday on the Philippine request for custody of a US Marine charged with killing a Filipino transgender, as Manila warned of “repercussions” on the issue.

But the US State Department vowed full US cooperation with Philippine authorities “in every aspect of the investigation.”

“We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey Laude, also known as Jennifer,” spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Tuesday.

US embassy officials in Manila could not be reached for comment as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conveyed a message saying it expects full US cooperation in the investigation of the death of Laude, 26.

“Otherwise we would expect repercussions,” a DFA official who asked not to be identified told reporters.

Another official said the message conveyed does not mean Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the killing, should be found guilty but there should be a process, and “the bottom line is to ensure that justice is served.”

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

Officials said full cooperation is expected from the US on “all aspects from the investigation all the way to the resolution of the case.”

The officials said repercussions include public pressure and implications on the especially on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)that is being challenged before the Supreme Court.

The EDCA allows for the enhanced rotational presence of US forces at agreed locations in the Philippines.

The STAR tried to get comment from US embassy officials but they could not be reached.

On Tuesday, the embassy said on its Twitter account: “We will continue to fully cooperate with Phl law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation.“

US Ambassador Philip Golberg said on Twitter that they “will continue to coordinate closely with Philippine law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.”

Visiting Forces Agreement Commission executive director Eduardo Oban said on Tuesday the Philippines would insist on getting custody of Pemberton and assert jurisdiction over the “extraordinary” case.

He said the Philippine government should take and manifest its position to American authorities that it would like to take custody of Pemberton of the US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 9th Marines assigned at WestPac Express.

The DFA said the Philippines can request custody of Pemberton but admitted there is no guarantee the US would grant the request.

 Pemberton and unidentified US Marines who are witnesses to the incident are being held on board the USS Peleliu docked at Subic.

US Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Locklear ordered the grounding of US military vessels from leaving the Philippines until the investigation on the killing of the Filipino transgender is completed.

Oban said the ban on the US vessels was lifted on Tuesday but Peleliu will remain in the country.

 Five US ships involved in military exercises may leave the country Friday after clearance was given yesterday.