Army probes official linked to model’s slay

A Philippine Army general is now being investigated for his alleged involvement in the killing of model and businesswoman Yvonette Chua Plaza, according to Army chief Lt. Gen. Robert Brawner Jr.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, who had denied any hand in the death of Plaza last December 29, has been asked to cooperate in the investigation by the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said Brawner.

“The 10ID is already conducting its own investigation. We are waiting for the results. We have advised General Durante to cooperate with any investigation on the allegations against him,” Brawner said in an interview Thursday.

The 38-year-old Plaza was shot dead by one of two men on a motorcycle as she was about to enter her rented home inside a subdivision in Davao City.

Durante was dragged into the Plaza killing due to a social media post from the victim early last year that claimed the general was one of those who hurt her.

She subsequently retracted the post and issued a statement clearing the general’s name, according to Durante, who admitted that Plaza was a friend.

Durante heads the Army’s 1001st Brigade based in Davao de Oro province. He had also served as chief of the Presidential Security Group during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Davao regional police office has formed a special task group to investigate the slay. Police are still trying to determine the motive behind the killing.

The police have also offered P1-million in reward for information on the identity of Chua’s killers. 

Banner photo credit: PNA