Pemberton detained in 20-foot container van

MANILA, Philippines - There is nothing spectacular about the shipping container where US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the killing of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, is detained.

The shipping container, however, is far more comfortable and spacious than congested local jail facilities, where the victim’s family want the suspect detained.

The 20-foot container is located at the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board facility along P. Santos Ave. at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. It is adjacent to the camp’s driving range and putting area.

A video released yesterday by the Armed Forces shows that the container has a white interior with an air-conditioning system and a military-type cot.

A nearby air-conditioned van contains the bathroom facilities that Pemberton and six soldiers securing him can use. It has two toilets, a urinal, two lavatories, hand dryer and soap dispenser.

Pemberton’s detention facility is being secured by two Filipino soldiers and four American servicemen.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said they won’t be spending anything for the maintenance of the vans.

“The US will shoulder the expenses, including the utility bills,” Cabunoc said in an interview.

“We will only provide them the location and security personnel,” he added.

The US previously said it won’t be seeking special treatment for Pemberton.

The lawyers of the Laude family, however, are not buying the claim.

“He is not detained in a regular facility. His container is air-conditioned. He is just beside a golf course,” said Harry Roque, counsel for the Laude family.

“It is not true that he is not receiving special treatment,” he said.

Militants yesterday questioned the manner in which Pemberton is being detained.

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) argued that there is no “joint custody” of a suspect under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). – With Mayen Jaymalin, Rhodina Villanueva