Roque condemns Pemberton’s short imprisonment: Laude slay ‘death of PH sovereignty’

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday deplored the short imprisonment of US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton who was convicted killing Jennifer Laude in 2014.

“As former Private Prosecutor for the Laude family, I deplore the short period of imprisonment meted on Pemberton who killed a Filipino under the most gruesome manner,” Roque said in a Twitter post.

Laude’s body was found inside a motel in Olongapo City while wrapped in a bed sheet and her head slumped over a toilet bowl.

“Laude’s death personifies the death of Philippine sovereignty,” he added.

It was in 2015 when Pemberton was convicted of homicide for killing Laude and was sentenced to suffer six to 10 years of imprisonment.

But in an order dated September 1, Judge Roline Ginez-Abalde said Pemberton already served the 10-year maximum of his penalty after taking into account the good conduct time allowances he accumulated while detained.

The court also said Pemberton already made a “full payment” of P4.6 million to Laude’s relatives.

JE

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