Philippine Police File Charges Against U.S. Marine In Murder Case

Philippine police on Wednesday filed murder charges against a U.S. Marine over the death of a transgender Filipino he met in a bar outside the former U.S. naval base of Subic Bay. The Philippine government also wants to take custody of Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton while he stands trial, said a senior Philippine official, who warned that the case could damage military ties between the allies. “Based on two witnesses’ testimonies, we believe we have a strong case against the U.S. Marine,” said Pedrito delos Reyes, police chief of Olongapo City, where the body of Jeffrey Laude, 26, was found in a hotel room on Saturday.