By Kristine Gadiano, Davao Today intern
DAVAO CITY – The verdict given to American serviceman, Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton – suspect in the killing of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude – has moved Gabriela Davao to press again on the abolition of two executive agreements with the US.
Mary Ann Sapar, secretary general of Gabriela here said that Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) “are giving Pemberton special treatment”.
Pemberton was found guilty of homicide by the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 last December 1 and Sapar said that Pemberton “must be treated just like the other criminals here in the Philippines”.
“This is our country, this is where they had committed the crime, so the government should impose our sovereignty,” Sapar added.Sapar said that they would fight until justice is served to Laude and to her family.
Sapar added they will continue to protest “until the government would put an end to these agreements”.
“It would be a big thing for the Filipinos if Pemberton will be surrendered here in the Philippines, this means that the government stands up for the country. Anyone who is planning to commit anything bad in the country will surely face the consequences,” she said.
Sapar said that these agreements, if not abolished, will only victimize more Filipinos particularly women in the future.(davaotoday.com)
