Pemberton arrest warrant, PH vs. China, Sydney siege | The wRap

Today on Rappler.

• A warrant of arrest out for US marine Joseph Scott Pemberton.
• China snubs a deadline to respond to the Philippines’ historic case before an international court on the South China Sea.
• The Sydney cafe siege is over with the gunman and 2 hostages dead.

ARREST WARRANT OUT FOR US MARINE OVER LAUDE SLAY 
An Olongapo City court issues a warrant of arrest Tuesday for US soldier Joseph Scott Pemberton accused of killing Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude. Prosecutors earlier found probable cause to indict Pemberton, citing “aggravating and qualifying circumstances” pointing to murder. Pemberton is currently detained at the Philippine military headquarters but remains under US custody based on the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US.

CHINA IGNORES DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO PH CASE 
China ignores a December 15 deadline to respond to the Philippines’ historic arbitration case on the South China Sea or West Philippine sea filed before an international court. This is consistent with Beijing’s stand not to accept nor participate in the process. In 2013, the Philippines asked an arbitral tribunal to uphold its rights to the waters under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which China is also a party. But China says the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the case because it involves territorial sovereignty, which is beyond the scope of the treaty. The Philippines challenges China’s controversial 9-dash line, the basis for its claim over the South China Sea.

SYDNEY CAFE SIEGE OVER 
The day-long siege in a central Sydney cafe ends as heavily armed Australian police took control early Tuesday. Two hostages and the lone gunman were killed in the pre-Christmas seige that held 17 people hostage. Reports say the gunman was named Man Haron Monis, an Iranian-born ‘cleric.’ Monis’ lawyer Manny Conditsis says -quote- “It’s not a concerted terrorism event or act.” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott also says the gunman was mentally unstable and infatuated with extremism. The gunman displayed an Islamic flag on the cafe’s window triggering fears he was connected to an extremist group.

FRANCIS’ POPEMOBILE IN PH: OPEN, NOT BULLETPROOF 
At his request, Pope Francis will be going around Manila and Tacloban next year in a vehicle that won’t be bulletproof. Fr David Concepcion of the papal visit committee says the Pope wanted to be open and accessible to Filipinos. The open design of the popemobile would make it easier for Pope Francis to step down and meet the crowds. The design would also leave the Pope exposed to security risks and the elements but Concepcion says this was meant to represent the vulnerability of the Church and show its solidarity with the faithful.

PRISON SEX, DRUGS AND BRIBERY SCANDAL SHOCKS PHILIPPINES 
Villas with a jacuzzi and a stripper bar in prison? There’s such a thing in the Philippine’s Bilibid Prison. Police raided the prison complex Monday and uncovered the luxury cells. Justice Secretary Leila says police found illegal drug methamphetamine better known as shabu, some cash, inflatable sex dolls, a stripper bar, and a jacuzzi spread across 20 air-conditioned “villas.” She says the drug lords were “living like kings.” Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu says his agency had no idea of the extent of the structures.

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 – Rappler.com

Production Staff