Gov't vows justice for slain Filipino transgender

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government today vowed justice for a Filipino transgender who was found dead in a hotel in Ologapo City in northern Philippines.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. assured the family of the victim, Jeffrey Laude, alias Jennifer, that there would be no whitewash in the ongoing investigation into the case.

"Philippine President Benigno Aquino III wants concerned agencies to closely monitor the case and ensure that all necessary actions are undertaken to uphold the rights of the victim and ensure that justice is served," said Coloma in a press briefing in Malacanang, the presidential palace.

A US Marine, identified as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, was tagged as a possible suspect in the murder of Laude.

Coloma said both the Philippine and US governments have agreed to undertake a thorough investigation into the incident.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. said he hopes that the US government would surrender the American soldier implicated in the case.

Coloma did not make any categorical statement on whether the Philippine government would seek custody of the US Marine. But he noted that under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Philippines would have jurisdiction over the case but the custody of the suspect remains with the US

In 2010, Aquino had ordered the VFA Commission to review the military agreement for possible amendments, particularly provisions pertaining to the commission of crimes, following the rape case slapped against US serviceman Daniel Smith in 2005. Smith was acquitted in 2006.