Dozens of Philippine protesters stormed the United States Embassy in Manila Tuesday demanding for the custody of U.S Marine PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the murder of a local transgender in Olongapo City.

Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, 26, a member of the LGBT community, was found dead late Saturday night in a motel room near the former Subic U.S. Naval Base apparently due to asphyxiation (strangling and drowning), according to crime lab reports.

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Pemberton was positively identified by 22-year-old Mark Clarence Gelviro, Laude's companion during a night out at Ambyanz Disco bar hours before the victim's death.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in a press briefing announced its full support to investigations conducted in coordination with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Police senior superintendent and PNP spokesman Wilben Mayor clarified that the Philippine-U.S. military ties will not be affected by any developments in Laude's case.

Philippine authorities cleared all other ships to leave the naval base in connection with the military exercises except USS Peleliu pending investigations.

Based on the provisions of Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Federal government possesses custody rights to any members of the U.S. Marine subject to judicial trial. However, the Philippines can formally file a manifestation subject for reconsideration, but there is no guarantee of approval.

Olongapo City Police is pushing to file a murder case against Pemberton though authorities did not provide details of such. The U.S. Marine officer is reportedly detained in USS Peleliu together with three other corps members who are also subjected to inquest proceedings, Colonel Brad Bartelt confirmed.

Human rights group urged the Congress to legislate anti-hate laws to prevent crimes committed against the LGBTs.

In 2005, Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was charged with rape but was eventually acquitted through the Court of Appeals' decision. Smith was also under the U.S. custody due to lack of local facilities that can accommodate detainees as stated in the VFA.

TagsU.S. Marine murder case, PH transgender murder case, Visiting Forces Agreement