US: Pemberton remains under our custody

MANILA, Philippines — The United States Embassy in Manila on Wednesday maintained that the suspect in the killing of a Filipino in Olongapo City remains under US custody despite being transferred to the Armed Forces headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In a statement, the US embassy said it is aware of reports that an "individual allegedly involved in the October 11 death" of Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in Olongapo City was moved from the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu to the Philippine military base, "where the suspect will be held under US custody." 

"In accordance with the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the United States has a right to retain custody of a suspect from the commission of the alleged offense until completion of all judicial proceedings," the  Embassy said.

The statement was issued amid reports that US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton was transferred to the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said in a statement early on Wednesday that Pemberton was received in Camp Aguinaldo around 8:45 a.m. after being airlifted from the US Navy vessel docked at Subic Bay.

"He will be detained at the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board Facility inside this camp while the preliminary investigation is being conducted," Catapang said.

Pemberton will be held in a 20-foot container van that will be installed with iron bars. Inside is a military type cot-bed and an air-conditioning system.

The cell will also be guarded by the US Marine Custodial Unit, while Filipino military police personnel will secure the outer perimeters of the facility.