Philippine police charged a U.S. Marine with murder on Wednesday following the death of a Filipino transgender woman who was found dead in a hotel room in Olongapo City .

Pfc. Joseph Pemberton was charged in the death of Jennifer Laude, a 26-year-old transgender woman who was previously named Jeffrey, Reuters reported. Philippine police said the two met Saturday in a bar near Subic Bay before leaving for a hotel where Laude was allegedly killed. Her body was found in the bathroom.

An autopsy report stated Laude's death was due to asphyxia by drowning, Reuters reported.

"Based on two witnesses, testimonies, we believe we have a strong case against the U.S. Marine," Pedrito delos Reyes, police chief of Olongapo City, told the newswire.

Pemberton, an anti-tank missileman with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, is being held aboard the amphibious ship Peleliu, along with three witnesses. After the investigation into Laude's death began, Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Locklear ordered the Peleliu and four other Navy ships to remain in port in the Philippines. All military personnel are required to remain on the ships.

Activists want Pemberton turned over to local authorities for prosecution. Philippine officials said they could ask the military to surrender the suspect, but that request does not have to be honored.

The Marine Corps has not released Pemberton's service record, but he wrote in a Facebook post that he left for boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, in August 2013. He is from New Bedford, Massachusetts, according to the social media website.

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