US Marine, Laude’s boyfriend now ‘undesirable aliens’

MANILA, Philippines – They’re now undesirable aliens.

The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BI) has filed with the justice department charges against United States Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton and the German fiancé of slain transgender woman Jennifer Laude for violating the country’s immigration laws.

In a text message to reporters Sunday, October 26, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Pemberton and Marc Sueselbeck were now considered “undesirable aliens” of the Philippines.

“Per [BI] Commissioner Fred Mison (Siegfred Mison), [The] BI has filed charges of undesirability against both Sueselbeck and Pemberton,” she said.

As such, the two are prevented from leaving the country, De Lima added. (READ: Laude’s German boyfriend says sorry but barred from leaving). Sueselbeck was scheduled to leave Manila on Sunday at 630 pm.

The 19-year-old Pemberton is facing a murder complaint before the Olongapo City Prosecutors Office for allegedly killing Laude, who was found dead in a motel toilet on October 11.

Laude’s fiancé, on the other hand, is facing deportation after shoving a Philippine soldier during a protest at Camp Aguinaldo.

Laude’s murder has renewed debates on the military agreement between the Philippines and the US, which allows American troops to use Philippine facilities during port calls and joint exercies. 

It has also triggered discussions on “hate crime” and how Philippine society is dealing with issues surrounding transgender people. – Rappler.com