© Provided by ABS-CBN News - ANC
OLONGAPO - Investigators are focusing on motel CCTV footage to identify a suspect in the murder of a transgender Filipino in Olongapo City.
Inspector Michelle Depano of the Olongapo City police public information office said the US Embassy in Manila has yet to identify the suspect, a US Marine assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The infantry unit is currently in the country for a joint training exercise.
"Wala pa kaming name. We are still confirming and identifying the suspect. We are coordinating with the embassy and [Naval Criminal Investigative Service] regarding this matter," Depano told ANC.
The victim, identified as Jeffrey Laude alias "Jenny," was found dead inside the comfort room of Celzone Hotel in Barangay West Tapinac.
Initial reports said Laude checked in at the hotel with a foreigner, who appeared to be in his mid-20s. The foreigner, later described as a soldier, supposedly left the room after about half an hour.
Depano said investigators failed to find CCTV footage at the bar where Laude allegedly met with the suspect who is described as a white male foreigner.
"Sa bar negative but at the lodge, dun po kami nag co- concentrate ngayon," she said.
The police officer said the suspect, who is reportedly on board an amphibious assault ship currently docked in the city, cannot leave the country.
She also said the police have already coordinated with Laude's family and turned over the body of the victim.
"They are still grieving. Hindi pa po natin makausap," she said.
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