Whether or not Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton will appear in the preliminary investigation of the murder complaint filed against him in connection with the killing of a Filipino transgender tomorrow is a decision that he will make in consultation with his Filipino legal counsel and in accordance with Philippine law.
The United States Embassy in Manila said this in a statement yesterday as it also disclosed that the four other US Marines who were issued subpoenas last Friday will not appear on October 21 as they have already met their current legal obligations.
The Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office met with the four witnesses and swore them to their statements in accordance with Philippine law, according to the embassy.
This already satisfies the requirements of the city prosecutor and the “make available” language of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
However, the US Embassy stressed that, in accordance with the US-Philippines VFA, the witnesses will be made available for the trial.
In the statement, the US embassy reiterated that the US government will continue to fully cooperate and collaborate with Philippine authorities in all aspects of the case concerning the death of Jeffrey Laude, 26, also known as “Jennifer.”
The embassy did not identify the legal counsel of Pemberton. “Decisions about personal legal counsel are private decisions, as such I am unfortunately unable to release that information at this time,” Anna E. Richey, Assistant Information Officer of the US Embassy, said.
Source:
www.tempo.com.ph
www.tempo.com.ph
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