by JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL, Managing Editor
DAVAO CITY – A top-ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was formally charged with murder in connection with the death of a model and businesswoman in this city.
During a press briefing held at PRO11 headquarters, the Special Investigation and Task Group (SITG) Plaza announced that Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante, commander of the Philippine Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001IB) based in Maco, Davao de Oro, was charged with murder in the killing of Ms Yvonnette Chua Plaza.
Also charged with murder was Durante’s deputy brigade commander Colonel Michael Licyayo. Aside from murder, Licyayo was also slapped with obstruction of justice.
Six other personnel of the 1001 Infantry Brigade, report said, were also facing murder charges and two John Does.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 chief BGen. Benjamin Silo Jr also said during the press conference that those personnel charged with murder were SSg. Gilbert Plaza, Sgt. Delfin Sialsa Jr., Cpl. Adrian Cachero, Pfc. Rolly Cabal, Pfc. Romart Longakit, and Noel Japitan, a civilian who allegedly served as the “striker.”
The SITG revealed during the press briefing that it was Gen Durante who allegedly ordered his deputy to kill the model.
The businesswoman and model, Yvonnette Plaza, 38 was murdered around 7:30 PM on December 28, 2022, by still unidentified riding-intandem outside her house located in Green Meadows Subdivision, Barangay Sto. Niño, Mintal, Davao City.
Earlier, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos vowed to bring justice to the immediate families of victim, in relation to the killing of the model.
