ADVERTISEMENT
Filtered By: Topstories
News

Laude laid to rest amid cries for justice


Slain transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude was laid to rest at The Heritage Garden in Olongapo City shortly after 5 p.m. Friday, amid calls for justice by Laude's loved ones.
 
During the ceremonies, Laude's relatives became emotional, with her mother Julita and sister Michelle fainting, a report on "24 Oras" showed.
 
Following the burial, they reiterated their call for justice.
 
"Sa pamilya ko, mahirap, masakit, mahirap tanggapin. Pero kailangan natin kasi papaano natin ilalaban kung tayo din susuko tayo," said Michelle.
 
"Hiling ko lang po sana, walang susuko sa laban na ito hanggang sa huli. Tulong-tulong po tayo," added the other sister, Marilou.

 
Many who took part in the funeral procession wore white and carried white balloons, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported.
 
Photos tweeted by Gatus showed loved ones and supporters of Laude crowding the area where the victim was to be buried.
 
 
A US Marine, Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, faces a murder complaint before the Olongapo City Prosecutor's Office for the incident.
 
Pemberton is presently detained at Camp Aguinaldo but remains under the custody of the United States.

Laude's killing had resurrected anti-US sentiments across the country, with several groups and lawmakers calling for the abolition of the Visiting Forces Agreement, a bilateral defense agreement that allows American troops to train with their Filipino counterparts on Philippine soil.
 
Laude’s death likewise sparked condemnation from the LGBT community, women’s groups and left-wing militants, who have described the killing as a “hate crime.” 
 
Meanwhile, in Quezon City, groups held a cultural presentation and candle lighting to call for justice for Laude, radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported.
 
The groups gathered at the University of the Philippines to dramatize their call.


Tags: jenniferlaude, jeffreylaude, josephscottpemberton
Most Popular