Without prejudice to the ongoing criminal proceedings, a parallel investigation is being conducted for possible violations of Articles of War and existing AFP regulations against Bgen Jesus Durante et’al, AFP’s statement issued yesterday .
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reported the other day that Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante and his six men would undergo court martial proceedings over the killing of Davao City businesswoman and model Yvonnette Chua-Plaza.
Brawner said Durante and his men will face the administrative side of the criminal charges filed against them before a civilian body by way of a court martial proceedings, where, if proven guilty, will drop them from the service and would result in the forfeiture of any of their benefits as Army soldiers.
The police charged Durante, who has been relieved as commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, his former deputy, Col. Michael Licyayo, and five other soldiers, on Wednesday with murder over Chua-Plaza’s killing.
The AFP is saddened by the alleged involvement of military personnel in the murder of Yvonette Chua Plaza. Through the years, the AFP has always shown its respect to human rights and that it will never condone any unlawful act of its members. Once again, we have demonstrated this by the cooperation we have extended to the SITG Plaza in the conduct of the investigation, military spokesman Col Medel Aguilae said.
Likewise, the Philippine Army has already taken proactive measures that will help in the resolution of the case. Five of the military personnel (two officers and three enlisted personnel) named respondents are already under its custody and will be made available to face the charges that will be filed against them. Efforts are ongoing to locate the other two respondents, according to Col Medel.
To the family of Yvonette, we feel your grief and pain. Please accept our condolences and we are one with you in praying for her eternal peace. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
