Brigadier General Jesus Durante III, who served as Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander of former President Rodrigo Duterte, and his deputy Col. Michael Licyayo are facing military charges in connection with the killing of businesswoman Yvonette Chua Plaza.
In a statement, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. of the Philippine Army said the case is in the pre-trial investigation stage and the Provost Marshall and Judge Advocate are studying the counter-affidavit submitted by Durante and Licyayo after they were served with a copy of the charges.
Brawner also stated that the charges are violation of Article 96 or “conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman” and Article 97 or “conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline” of the Articles of War.
Durante and Licyayo are currently under the custody of the Philippine Army as the investigation unfolds.
Durante, who is also the former commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, was identified by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Plaza as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Plaza.
Based on the information provided by SITG Plaza, Durante hired the services of his subordinates, including Licyayo.
Meanwhile, two of Durante’s subordinates Pfc. Romart Longakit and Pfc. Rolly Cabal went missing following their alleged involvement in the killing of Plaza.
Last Tuesday, Captain Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, told Edge Davao that they already have a positive development with the disappearance of Cabal.
Tito also said that they still haven’t found Longakit.
