"We believe we have a strong case": Philippine prosecutor Emilie Fe delos Santos. Photo: Robert Gonzaga/AFP

MANILA - Philippine prosecutors have filed murder charges against a US Marine accused of killing a Filipino transgender woman, in a case that has fanned anti-American sentiment.

Prosecutors found "probable cause" against Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton and decided that he used "treachery, abuse of superior authority and cruelty" against his alleged victim, lead prosecutor Emilie Fe delos Santos told a televised briefing.

"You can see the kind of cruelty she (victim) endured, the injuries she sustained," delos Santos said.

Supporters of slain transgender Filipino Jeffrey "“Jennifer" Laude, hold placards during a rally outside a courthouse in Olongapo city on Monday. Photo: Lorgina Minguito/Reuters

"We believe we have a strong case."

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Pemberton will not be allowed to post bail, she said. Murder is punishable by up to 40 years in jail.

Jennifer Laude, a 26-year-old transgender woman also known as Jeffrey, was found dead on October 12 in a cheap hotel in the port city of Olongapo.

She was half-naked in a bathroom with marks of strangulation on her neck, according to police.

Laude died from "asphyxia by drowning", according to a police autopsy.

Pemberton, who had just finished taking part in US-Philippine military exercises near Olongapo, had checked into the hotel with Laude and was the last person seen with her, police said

Pemberton, aged 19 at the time of the death, had asked prosecutors to downgrade the murder charge to homicide, which carries a maximum 20-year prison term.

Laude's death sparked street protests and the public outcry pressured the Philippine government to seek the transfer of Pemberton's detention from a US warship to military headquarters in Manila.

Under a 1998 agreement governing US troops when they are in the Philippines, Filipino courts have jurisdiction over cases involving American soldiers accused of crimes.

But the agreement also allows suspects to remain in US custody.

"We look forward to the full co-operation of the US government in ensuring that justice is secured for Jeffrey 'Jennifer' Laude," Philippine foreign ministry spokesman Charles Jose said in a statement.

The US embassy had no immediate comment.

President Benigno Aquino has said the case should not sour relations with the United States, the Philippines' most important diplomatic and military ally.

Following formal charges by prosecutors, the local court which has jurisdiction over the case will decide whether there are enough grounds for the accused to stand trial, although there is no timetable for this process.

AFP