DFA spokesman Charles Jose. AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – There is no guarantee that the United States (US) will hand over custody of Private first class Joseph Scott Pemberton who is the primary suspect in the killing of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said in a press conference Tuesday that, under the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), US automatically has custody of any of their personnel suspected of committing a crime.
“Under Article V, paragraph 6 of the VFA ‘The custody of any United States personnel over whom the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately reside with US military authorities, if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings’,” Jose said, citing the pertinent provision.
The Philippine government will request to the US to have custody of Pemberton, a US Marine, “but there is no guarantee they will grant it,” he said.
The Philippines, however, will have jurisdiction of the case and he will be tried in a Philippine court.
Pemberton had allegedly killed Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, 26, after both checked in at a hotel in Olongapo City late Saturday night.
RELATED STORIES
Related Stories:
- Australia investigates ‘paedophile’ father in Thai baby scandal
- Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking
- Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking
- Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking
- Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking
- Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking
- Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking
- Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking
Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of INQUIRER.net. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
To subscribe to the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper in the Philippines, call +63 2 896-6000 for Metro Manila and Metro Cebu or email your subscription request here.
Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Advocate. Or write The Readers’ Advocate:
c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer Chino Roces Avenue corner Yague and Mascardo Streets, Makati City,Metro Manila, Philippines Or fax nos. +63 2 8974793 to 94
