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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Army: Durante prohibited from holding major military post after court martial's verdict

Army: Durante prohibited from holding major military post after court martial's verdict

Published Jun 11, 2025 03:22 pm
Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III (File photo: Presidential Security Group)
Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III (File photo: Presidential Security Group)

The Philippine Army (PA) revealed that Brigadier General Jesus Durante III is now barred from holding a military post with “major responsibility” after being reprimanded by a special general court martial over the killing of a businesswoman-model in Davao City in 2022.

Durante, former commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade based in Davao de Oro, remains under the custody of the Army in its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City while his case is still subject to final action of the convening authority, according to PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala.

“Since he is reprimanded, he is not allowed to be designated to a position of major responsibility. It is up to the higher headquarters now what his disposition will be once the decision of the special general court-martial is finalized,” Dema-ala said on Tuesday, June 11.

Technically, Durante is on a “floating status” while awaiting the decision of the Army’s higher headquarters led by the commanding general, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido. This means he is not assigned to any specific post or unit although he remains officially part of the military.

Durante was reprimanded by a special general court martial for violating the Articles of War in connection with the killing of Yvonnete Chua Plaza, a businesswoman-model linked to the Army general.

Durante, his 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 the military tribunal.

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.

While Durante was reprimanded, Sialsa and Cachero were sentenced up to 10 to 12 years in prison and 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.

Durante rose to ranks after being designated as the head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Related Tags

Philippine Army Jesus Durante III Yvonne Chua Plaza Davao City court martial Articles of War
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