Manila | An American Marine, sentenced in 2014 to ten years in prison for the murder of a young transgender Filipina, was deported on Sunday after being pardoned by President Rodrigo Duterte.
This unexpected release of Joseph Scott Pemberton, who served half of his sentence, sparked outrage within rights groups.
Escorted by US soldiers, he boarded a US military plane at Manila airport, the Philippine immigration office said.
“Mr. Pemberton wishes to express his deepest gratitude to President Duterte for granting him an absolute pardon. He is extremely grateful to her for this act of compassion, ”said his lawyer, Rowena Flores, in a statement.
Ms Flores said Mr Pemberton offered his “sincere condolences for the pain he has caused” to the family of his victim Jennifer Laude. This is the first official apology from this 25-year-old Marine.
“He would like to have the words to express his deep sorrow and regret,” she added.
Mr Pemberton was convicted in October 2014 of the murder of Jennifer Laude, a 26-year-old transgender woman also known as Jeffrey, whom he met at a bar in Olongapo, 80 kilometers northwest of Manila, during joint military maneuvers with the Philippines.
The couple had agreed to have sex but the soldier turned violent when he discovered that Jennifer Laude still had male genitals.
The victim’s family lawyer condemned the pardon, which rekindled anti-American sentiment in the former American colony.
“May he find peace of mind. (I hope) he has learned a lesson about the value of life and dignity, regardless of gender and nationality,” told AFP lawyer Virginia Suarez.
Mr. Penberton is now the subject of a ban from the Philippine territory because of the “risks to public safety” he represents, added the immigration office.