Santiago asks DOJ: Allow transgender slay witnesses to attend Senate probe
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago asked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima Monday to allow two witnesses in the brutal killing of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude to appear before the Senate.
In a letter addressed to De Lima, Santiago requested the appearance of the witnesses in the Laude slay case identified as “Barbie” and Elias Galamos in the Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing scheduled in October 22.
Santiago stressed that their appearance will be “absolutely essential” to carry out the conduct of a Senate inquiry on the case in aid of legislation.
Barbie is a friend of Laude who has positively identified American PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton as the suspect which had led to his arrest.
Barbie was with Laude at an Olongapo City bar when Pemberton and three other American soldiers approached them.
Meanwhile, Galamos is the cashier in the Celzone Lodge who found Laude’s lifeless body with her head slumped in the toilet.
Last Saturday, Barbie has been admitted to the Witness Protection Program of the Department of Justice.
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