Gov’t urged to intensify efforts vs VAWC after slay of model-businesswoman in Davao

MANILA, Philippines — A women’s party-list has urged the current administration to also set its sights on ending violence against women and children (VAWC), especially after a Davao-based model and businesswoman was murdered recently.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said in a statement on Tuesday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration must do something to create an environment safe for Filipino women.

Brosas did not name the victim, but last December 29, model Yvonette “Yvonne” Chua Plaza was shot point-blank in a subdivision in Davao City by a gunman aboard a motorcycle.  Plaza, 38, died instantly due to the gunshot wound.

“It is unfortunate and extremely concerning to hear the news of the recent murder of a model and businesswoman in front of her house in Davao City as we are about to greet 2023 with revelry,” Brosas said.

“We join calls for justice and for a thorough and impartial investigation on the case and urge that no sacred cows will be spared.  As we look towards 2023, we vow to intensify efforts to end violence against women and to engage the Marcos Jr. regime on its lack of decisive action to reduce vulnerabilities of Filipino women,” she added.

Brosas also said that many questions need to be answered after Brig Gen. Jesus Durante III’s name was dragged into the killing of Plaza.

Many social media posts pin him as the mastermind of the murder, but Durante — the former Presidential Security Group head during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte — denied any involvement.

“A Facebook post, which tagged AFP 1001st Brigade Commander Jesus Durante III for the attack, has since gone viral and invited serious questions on the worsening violence against women perpetrated by uniformed personnel in the country. Durante was the head of the [PSG] under former president Rodrigo Duterte,” Brosas said.

Durante, who now heads the Philippine Army’s 1001st Brigade based in Davao de Oro, said that he was implicated because of Plaza’s previous social media post in April 2022 implicating him as the person who physically abused her.

But Durante said Plaza had already retracted that post and issued a statement contrary to the initial claims.  He also said that he is saddened by the death of Plaza, whom he considers a friend.

“I, myself, demand justice for Yvonne,” he said.

READ: Army exec denies hand in Davao model’s slay

Davao Region Police director Brig. Gen. Benjamin Silo said they have created “Task Force Yvonne” as early as Saturday to investigate the murder following a request from the Davao City Police Office.

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