By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

A Filipino politician has called for a U.S. marine to be transferred to Philippine custody after he was charged with the murder of a transgender woman.

Terry Ridon, a representative of the Kabataan Party, said on Tuesday that Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton should be held in a Philippine prison.

Pemberton’s arrest and detention under U.S. custody has reignited Philippine resentment at the treatment of U.S. forces personnel accused of crimes in the country.

The marine was arrested on suspicion of killing 26-year-old Jeffrey Laude, known as Jennifer, in Olongapo City on Oct. 11.

He was initially held on USS Peleliu, an amphibious assault ship, but later transferred to a Philippine military base, although he remained under U.S. custody guarded by fellow marines.

In a statement, Ridon said: "With Pemberton now facing murder charges, there is truly no reason to keep him in a special facility. We also have to note that he is still – for all intents and purposes – under U.S. custody."

He added: “The [President Benigno] Aquino administration should not let Pemberton remain under U.S. custody. It is the obligation of the government, especially the president, to ensure that justice will be served for Ms. Laude’s death and part of that obligation is to ensure Pemberton’s transfer to a regular jail facility under Philippine custody."

On Monday the Olongapo City Prosecutor's Office found "aggravating qualifying circumstances" in the death of Laude.

The Visiting Forces Agreement allows the U.S. to retain custody of personnel accused of crimes until the end of Philippine judicial procedures.

The agreement – together with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 10-year deal that allows the U.S. to increase its military presence – is much criticized in the Philippines.

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