AFP spokesman, netizens engage in Twitter war over Sueselbeck | Global News

AFP spokesman, netizens engage in Twitter war over Sueselbeck

/ 01:11 AM October 27, 2014

MANILA, Philippines–The spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines engaged in a Twitter war with netizens Sunday night, posting statements that supposedly “rubbed salt into the wounds” of Marc Sueselbeck, the German fiance of slain Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, earned the ire of some netizens after his supposedly insensitive post pertaining to Sueselbeck, who was supposed to fly to Kuala Lumpur after paying his last respects to his slain fiance, but was prevented from leaving the Philippines on Sunday night after he was declared an “undesirable alien” by the Bureau of Immigration and slapped with a “legal matter” to settle.

Article continues after this advertisement

Last week Sueselbeck tried to enter the detention center of Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspected killer of Laude, at Camp Aguinaldo. The German climbed the fence and shoved a soldier manning the area.

FEATURED STORIES

Sueselbeck apologized several times and the AFP accepted them. But as for the military’s spokesman the apologies were not enough. He said Sueselbeck still has to face the consequences of his actions.

Earlier Laude’s legal counsel, Atty. Harry Roque, said “Marc has apologized and AFP has accepted. Matter is closed. Preventing his departure today was cruel to one who is already down and out.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Sueselbeck also issued the following statement shortly before he was prevented from departing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport:

Article continues after this advertisement

“I understand I was perceived by Philippine military officials as having pushed a soldier in a violent manner. It certainly was not an assault. I could not immediately stop my forward movement but video footage from any of the media covering that event can prove that I never aggressively attacked any soldier. I merely wanted to reach Marilou, make sure she was safe, and join her in asking questions,”

Article continues after this advertisement

“I have an appeal to Philippine authorities. I lost my future wife Jennifer in the worst imaginable way. I hope you will allow me to grieve, return and visit her grave in the future. I am not a threat to your country or your citizens. I have no negative records in Germany or elsewhere.”

Media reports also said that Sueselbeck fainted after he was stopped by the immigration.

Article continues after this advertisement

The military official (@HaroldCabunoc94) gamely answered comments from some Twitter users. Here are some parts of the tense Twitter exchange:

https://twitter.com/HaroldCabunoc94/status/526342100372054017

https://twitter.com/HaroldCabunoc94/status/526345770509672448

https://twitter.com/HaroldCabunoc94/status/526348063627935746

https://twitter.com/junpasaylo/status/526387661213138944

https://twitter.com/junpasaylo/status/526379236081152001

RELATED STORIES

Sueselbeck faints; rushed to hospital

Sueselbeck barred from leaving PH

TAGS: Germany, Global Nation, Jeffrey Laude, Jennifer Laude, Marc Susselbeck

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.