Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 26) — The Philippine Army on Thursday said it will keep in its custody relieved Brigadier General Jesus Durante III and his deputy, Colonel Michael Licyayo, after being tagged in the murder of Davao-based model and businesswoman Yvonne Chua Plaza.
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In a radio interview, Army chief Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr. said Durante — the alleged mastermind — Licyayo, and six other officers will also likely face a probe before the military justice system.
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“Sasampahan rin po sila ng kaso under the military justice system, magkakaroon ng court martial and we will have custody over them,” Brawner said.
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“Meron po tayong custodial center, parang kulungan, so posible na mapunta sila do’n for their safekeeping habang dinidinig ‘yong kaso nila,” he added.
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[Translation: We will also file a case against them under the military justice system, there will be a court martial and we will have custody over them. We have a custodial center, like a prison, so it’s possible they will go there for safekeeping while their trial is ongoing.]
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Brawner said other army personnel, including the confessed gunman, are currently under the custody of the Philippine National Police.
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The Army chief explained that the military proceedings will tackle the administrative aspects of the cases filed against the army personnel, including their ranks and benefits. This will move alongside the case in the civilian court.
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Once court-martialed, the Army will ask the civilian court to keep Durante, who was commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade in Davao de Oro, and Licyayo, under military custody while their trial is ongoing.
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It remains to be seen if a similar arrangement will be accorded to the enlisted personnel implicated in the case.
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Davao Region Police on Wednesday revealed what appears to be a conspiracy between the army officers and soldiers to silence Plaza.
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The police said a government-issued firearm was used to kill the victim.
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Described as a “crime of passion,” police investigators allege that Durante had an affair with Plaza and apparently, had ordered her killing after she tried to blackmail the army general.
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Durante, former Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief, had previously denied having any role in the murder but admitted that Plaza was a “close friend.”
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Armed forces officials have pointed out they will not condone any criminal acts involving their personnel and reiterated their full cooperation in the investigations into Plaza’s death.
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“Hindi po ito normal [This is not normal], this is not service-related,” Brawner said of Durante’s alleged treatment of his subordinates as his “private army.”
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