THE military is investigating the alleged involvement of an Army general in the murder of businesswoman-model Yvonette Chua Plaza, 38, on December 29 in Davao City.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr urged Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, commander of the 1001st Brigade, to cooperate in the investigation being conducted by the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID)
“The 10th ID is already conducting its own investigation. We are waiting for the results,” said Brawner.
The 10th ID is under the command of Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin.
“We have advised General Durante to cooperate with any investigation on the allegations against him,” Brawner said of the officer who served as commander of the Presidential Security Group during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, 10th ID spokesman, said the division is in “close coordination with the Police Regional Office 11 (Davao region) regarding that incident or case.”
“So far, there is no formal request or complaint against one of our senior officers. Thus, we could not take action based on social media,” Tito said.
“We will wait for the result of investigation of the PNP and the unit will cooperate with the ongoing formal investigation, if needed. We will not condone any wrongdoing of our personnel including senior officers,” he added.
Plaza was shot dead by two unidentified men in front of her rented house in Green Meadows subdivision in Barangay Tugbok in Davao City.
Durante’s name was dragged into the murder due a social media post of Plaza in April last year, showing bruises and cuts on her face. Plaza alleged Durante hurt her.
Durante has denied involvement in the killing, adding Plaza had retracted her social media post against him.
Durante said Plaza is his friend and he was saddened by her demise. Durante said he is also demanding justice for Plaza’s death and even asked those who have information on the murder to coordinate with the police.
