Police authorities on Wednesday filed a murder case against former Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Jesus Durante III who was tagged as the mastermind behind the murder of Davao-based model and businesswoman Yvonnette ‘Yvonne’ Chua Plaza last December 2022.
In a press conference, officials said the investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) found that Durante ordered his aide Colonel Michael Licyayo to kill Plaza.
The SITG discovered that Durante is the businesswoman's ex-boyfriend.
"Based on the investigation natin, [it was a] crime of passion," Philippine National Police (PNP) - Davao Chief Alberto Lupaz said.
On December 28, Plaza was shot dead in front of her rented house at Barangay Tugbok, Davao City, by armed men.
In the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, a gunman was seen pointing their gun straight at Plaza’s head.
The gunman was identified as Sergeant Delfin Sielsa while the motorcycle driver who accompanied him was named Adrian Cashero.
Licyayo, Sielsa, Cashero, and 5 others were also charged with murder for being the alleged accomplices in the crime.
Authorities said the five others who are allegedly involved in the murder are the following:
- Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza
- Corporal Erien Catiero
- Private 1st class Rolly Cabal
- Private 1st class Romart Longgasid
- Noel Jabitan, a civilian
Durante was relieved from his post as commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' 1001st Infantry Brigade based in Davao de Oro while the investigation is still pending.
