Jesus Durante III FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The general court-martial proceedings involving former Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III and six other personnel began on Tuesday over their alleged involvement in the killing of Davao businesswoman Yvonette Chua-Plaza.
Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Durante, officers Col. Michael D Licyayo, SSgt. Gilbert Plaza, Sgt. Delfin Sialsa Jr., Cpl. Adrian Cachero, and Cpl. Rolly Cabal were present in the proceedings at the 10th Infantry Division headquarters in Davao de Oro.
An officer identified as Pfc. Romark Longakit, who remains at large, did not attend the proceedings, Trinidad said.
“All of the charged officers and enlisted personnel are already in Davao [de Oro] for the said military court proceedings,” Trinidad told INQUIRER.net in a text message.
“As per latest info, all personnel appeared as charged with violations of AW (Articles of War) 96 and AW97 except for Pfc. Longakit, who is still missing,” Trinidad added.
Durante, who served as PSG commander under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, was charged under the AW96 or the Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman.
Also charged under AW96 is Col. Michael D Licyayo, who was alleged to be Durante’s accomplice, according to Trinidad.
Trinidad also said these five officers also committed a violation under the AW97 or Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline: SSgt. Gilbert Plaza, Sgt. Delfin Sialsa Jr., Cpl Adrian Cachero, Cpl Rolly Cabal, and Pfc Romark Longakit.
The rest, apart from Longakit, is under the Army’s custody.
READ: Court-martial of Army general in Davao slay set
The 38-year-old Plaza was gunned down outside her apartment on December 29, 2022 by one of two men on a motorcycle who used a military-issued firearm.
The results of the Army’s pretrial investigation, which warranted a court martial against Durante and other soldiers came out “sometime last month.”
Durante and the said Army personnel are also facing criminal charges.
READ: Army takes custody of ex-PSG chief Durante over Davao model’s slay