Search is now ongoing for Brigadier General Jesus Durante III’s subordinates in the 1001st Infantry Brigade (IB).
Captain Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said they are searching for Pfc. Romart Longakit, who according to reports was abducted, and Pfc. Rolly Cabal, who went absent without official leave (AWOL) following their alleged involvement in the killing of model-businesswoman Yvonne Chua Plaza.
“Ongoing ang among Board of Inquiry. Our unit is also searching sa ilaha,” Tito said.
On Wednesday, the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Plaza named Durante, the former head of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s Presidential Security Group (PSG) and former commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, as the alleged mastermind behind the killing of Plaza.
Based on the report of SITG Plaza, Durante tapped the services of his six subordinate, which include Longakit and Cabal, and three John Does for the killing of Plaza.
Other soldiers identified for their alleged involvement in the murder are Col. Michael Licyayo, charged with murder and violation of PD 1829 (obstruction of justice); Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza (murder and violation of PD 1829); Sgt Delfin L Sialsa, Jr (murder and theft); Corporal Adrian Cachero (murder and theft); a civilian Noel Japitan, and John Doe alias “Jr” (murder); and John Doe alias “master sergeant” (violation of PD 1829).
Tito said Staff Sergeant Plaza, Cachero, and Sialsa are already in the custody of 10ID.
The SITG reported some witnesses have identified Sialsa as the triggerman and Cachero as the driver of the motorcycle used.
Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11), said Cachero, Sialsa, and Japitan surrendered pieces of evidence which include the gun used, a motorcycle, and a jersey. Japitan was instructed to dismantle and change the color of the motorcycle. They took the personal belongings of the victim that include her bag, cellphone, ID, and credit card were turned over to Licayo and were burned by Staff Sergeant Plaza.
Gultiano said Cachero implicated Licyayo as the one who gave them the instruction on the whereabouts of the victim and provided the logistics.
Brig. Gen. Allan Hambala, assistant commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said Durante was already stripped of his position.
Durante and Licyayo are now in the custody of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
