Aquino rejects call to annul U.S.-Philippines forces agreement over murder case

Protesters display placards during a protest inside a former U.S. navy base in Subic Bay, north of Manila October 18, 2014. REUTERS/Lorgina Minguito

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Benigno Aquino rejected on Monday calls to tear up the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States after an American serviceman was charged with the murder of a transgender Filipino outside a former U.S Navy base.

U.S. Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton is accused of murdering Jeffrey Laude, who also goes by the name Jennifer, in Olongapo City, about 50 km (30 miles) north of Manila.