US Embassy: Appearance before PHL prosecutor up to Pemberton, lawyer

The US Embassy will leave it to Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton whether to appear before the Olongapo City Prosecutor's Office for his preliminary investigation over the killing of transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

In a statement, the embassy said the US continues to fully cooperate and collaborate with Philippine authorities in all aspects of the case.

"Whether the suspect will appear on Tuesday is a decision that he will make in consultation with his Philippine legal counsel, in accordance with Philippine law. We refer you to his counsel for details," it said.

On the other hand, it said the witnesses will not appear on Tuesday, "as they have already met their current legal obligations."

The embassy added, however, that in accordance with the Visiting Forces Agreement, the witnesses will be made available for the trial.

The embassy said city prosecutors met last week with four witnesses and swore them to their statements in accordance with Philippine law.

It said this satisfied the requirements of the City Prosecutor and the "make available" language of the US– Philippine Visiting Forces Agreement.  — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News