The military has initiated its own investigation over the alleged involvement of Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante over his alleged involvement in the murder of businesswoman Yvonne Plaza Chua, who was shot dead by a suspect in Davao City last week.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the 10th Infantry Division, which holds jurisdiction over him and his unit, is investigating Durante, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade.
“The 10th ID is already conducting its own investigation. We are waiting for the results,” Brawner told military reporters. “We have advised General Durante to cooperate with any investigation on the allegations against him.”
Durante, former commander of the Presidential Security Group during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was linked to the Chua case after reports in the social media claimed that the military official was allegedly involved in the death of the businesswoman.
The women’s group Gabriela had also claimed that Chua herself had accused Durante of physical assault and threats.
However, Durante earlier belied any involvement in the murder of Chua, saying his name was only being drawn into the killing after the victim posted on her social media account a picture of herself with her injuries which she attributed to the Army general.
But Durante said the post made in April last year along with Chua’s allegations have been retracted by the victim herself who even issued a statement that Durante did not harm her.
While Brawner said that the military is probing Durante, the 10th ID said there has been no formal request or even complaint against any of its officers.
“Thus, we could not take action based on social media [reports],” said division spokesman Capt. Mark Anthony Tito.
“We will wait for the results of the investigation of the PNP [Philippine National Police] and the unit will cooperate with the ongoing formal investigation, if needed. We will not condone any wrongdoings of our personnel, including senior officers,” Tito stressed. Rene Acosta
Image credits: PNA/Robinson Niñal Jr.