Laude’s kin, supporters ‘move on’

OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales, Philippines — Despite heavy downpour, family and supporters of slain transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude visited her grave here on Sunday, her sixth death anniversary.

The commemoration took place a month after her convicted killer, Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton, was pardoned by President Duterte and deported back to the United States.

Laude was found dead, apparently strangled and drowned, beside a toilet bowl inside a motel here in 2014.

Lawyer Virginia Lacsa-Suarez, who served as counsel for the Laude family, said the case was already closed, “but the fight to stop discrimination against women and members of the transgender community will continue.”

“All of us should move on, but moving on could also mean that we don’t forget this case,” she said.

—Joanna Rose Aglibot