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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Army general reprimanded, 3 others get jail time over businesswoman-model's killing in Davao City

Army general reprimanded, 3 others get jail time over businesswoman-model's killing in Davao City

Published May 30, 2025 03:33 pm
Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III (Courtesy of PTV-4)
Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III (Courtesy of PTV-4)

A military court reprimanded a Philippine Army (PA) general and sentenced three other soldiers to prison for violating the Articles of War in connection with the killing of a Davao City-based businesswoman and model in 2022.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, former commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, along with his former subordinates—Sergeant Delfin Sialsa, Corporal Adrian Cachero, and Private First Class Rolly Cabal—were found “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” of violating Article of War 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline) by a special general court martial, according to the Philippine Army.

Durante received a reprimand as his penalty; Sialsa and Cachero were sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison; while Cabal received a prison term of four to six years.

Sialsa, Cachero, and Cabal were also dishonorably discharged from the service.

Meanwhile, Durante and his former deputy, Col. Michael Licyayo, were acquitted of violating Article of War 96 (conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman) due to “lack of evidence.”

Licyayo was also absolved of violation of Article of War 96.

Two former subordinates of Durante, Master Sergeant Ariel Ballesteros and Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza, were also cleared of violation of Article of War 97.

The Philippine Army did not elaborate on the ruling.

Durante, who rose to the ranks after becoming the head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, had been accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Ms. Yvonnete Chua Plaza. 

Plaza was gunned down by motorcycle-riding gunmen outside her home in Davao City in December 2022. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) investigators alleged that Durante and Plaza had an intimate relationship, and jealousy was considered as one of the possible motives behind the incident.

However, Durante denied the police’s allegations and said he was only friends with Plaza.

The Army said it acknowledged the decision rendered by the special general court martial involving Durante and his subordinates.

“The Philippine Army assures the public and the family of Ms. Yvonette Chua Plaza that justice has been pursued with full diligence and integrity,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said.

Related Tags

Jesus Durante III Philippine Army Yvonnete Chua Plaza Davao City
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