Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — Relieved Brigadier General Jesus Durante III and five other soldiers tagged in the murder of Davao businesswoman and model Yvonette Chua-Plaza are set to undergo general court-martial proceedings this week.
In a statement, the Philippine Army said Durante and Colonel Michael Licyayo, his alleged accomplice, will be transferred and detained in the Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters until the proceedings resume \”anytime this week.\”
Durante, former head of the Presidential Security Group, and his fellow accused are currently under the Army’s custody in its headquarters in Taguig City.
They were charged with violation of Articles of War 96 and 97, or conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman and conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline, respectively.
Police investigators said Durante had an affair with Plaza and ordered her killing after she tried to blackmail him. They described his case as a “crime of passion.”
The court martial proceedings will tackle the administrative aspects of the cases filed against the army personnel, including their ranks and benefits. The criminal aspects, on the other hand, will be handled by a civil court.
