VP Binay on Jennifer Laude slay: Let justice be served

Vice President Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay with slain Jennifer Laude’s parents (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President)

MANILA — Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday said he hopes justice will be given to Jennifer Laude as he extended his condolences to Jennifer’s mother Julita at the younger Laude’s wake in Olongapo City.

“First of all, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the bereave family. Second, I want justice to be served the soonest. Somebody died who needs justice,” Binay said.

Binay said he was in Zambales to check on the government’s housing projects in the province and decided to pay his respects when he learned Jennifer’s wake was being held in Olongapo.

He said somebody informed him that Jennifer’s wake is in Olongapo while he is in Cabangan. He decided to visit the bereaved family to extend his sympathy.

He said that he learned from Jennifer’s mother who hails from Leyte had five children.

The 26-year-old Laude was found dead by a motel employee late night on October 11, an hour after she checked in at the motel with US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton. On Wednesday, murder charges were filed against Pemberton.

Pemberton remains under US custody aboard the amphibious warship USS Peleliu, currently docked at Subic Bay, as provided for by the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Article 5, paragraph 6 of the VFA states that the custody of a US soldier facing criminal charges remains with US authorities “if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings.” The Philippine government retains jurisdiction of the investigation.