While employees of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 have kept mum, GMA News' Rida Reyes cited multiple sources who confirmed the proceedings would push through Friday.
In a report on "24 Oras," Reyes said Olongapo City police had adopted security measures at the courtroom where Pemberton is to be presented.
Representatives from the US Naval Forces led by Commander Timothy Stone also inspected the courtroom on Thursday.
On Thursday afternoon, a representative from the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service also arrived but declined to give a statement.
For its part, the Olongapo City police said it had finalized its security plan and will implement it before dawn Friday.
More than 100 police personnel are to be deployed to the Hall of Justice. They are aside from partner agencies or force multipliers.
"We are prepared for any untoward incident na mangyayari," said city police spokesperson Inspector Vivian Reyes.
Custody
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the Philippine and US sides have different interpretations of "extraordinary cases," which the Philippines is invoking to get custody of Pemberton.
On the other hand, the US insists it should have custody of Pemberton.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said it would no longer insist on getting custody of Pemberton.
DFA spokesman Charles Jose said what is important is that Pemberton has submitted himself and is under detention at Camp Aguinaldo, guarded by Philippine authorities.
For its part, the US issued a statement it will cooperate with the Philippine government to make sure justice prevails. —Joel Locsin/NB/KBK, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
