US pledges cooperation in murder investigation in Philippines

Philippine, US troops begin naval exercises

WASHINGTON -- The United States on Tuesday pledged full cooperation with the Philippine authorities in the investigation into the killing of a Filipino allegedly by a US Marine.

"We will continue to cooperate fully with the Philippine law enforcement authorities in every aspect of the investigation," State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki told reporters at a daily news briefing.

She said the US Marine, identified as a possible suspect in the death of 26-year-old Jeffrey Laude, is being held on board the USS Peleliu as a joint investigation is being conducted by the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Philippine National Police.

She also offered "deepest condolences" over the death of Laude, who was found strangled on Saturday in Olongapo City in northern Philippines.

The suspect is among the American troops deployed to the Philippines to take part in a recently-concluded amphibious landing exercise.