Standoff between PH, US on Pemberton detention

U.S. Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, center, the suspect in the killing of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude, is escorted inside a court at Olongapo city, Zambales province, northwest of Manila, Philippines on Tuesday Dec. 1, 2015. AP

US authorities have refused to turn over Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton to Philippine authorities despite orders from the Olongapo Regional Trial Court.

Pemberton has been convicted of homicide and sentenced to suffer of up to 12 years imprisonment. The court said in the absence of any agreement on his specific detention, he should be turned over the the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Atty. Harry Roque, counsel of the Laude family said there is a standoff as 12 US guards surrounded Pemberton, preventing the Philippine police from taking him.

Roque said Pemberton’s camp has filed a handwritten motion for clarification on his detention.

“Such motion is frivolous and a clear violation of the Rules of Court,” Roque said.