Seven Army soldiers including a one-star general and a colonel will face a general court martial for alleged complicity in the murder of a model and businesswoman in Davao City last December.
To be tried by court martial were Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante, 1001st Brigade deputy commander Col. Michael Licyayo, and five other troopers for their alleged involvement in the killing of Yvonnette Plaza.
In a statement, the Philippine Army said the military prosecution panel would convene anytime this week.
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., PA commanding general, approved the filing of administrative charges against Durante and Licyayo, along with SSgt. Gilbert Plaza; Sgt. Delfin Sialsa Jr.; Cpls. Adrian Cachero and Rolly Cabal; and Pfc. Romark Longakit.
Army spokesman Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement, said the Army had finished the review of administrative liability of the accused.
“(These were) subsequently referred to the GCM (General Court Martial). The GCM is chaired by the Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, who is the current 10th Infantry Division commander,” Trinidad said.
Durante and Licyayo were charged with violation of Article of War 96 which refers to “conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman,” while the five others were charged with violation of Article of War 97 referring to “all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and military discipline and all conduct of nature to bring discredit upon the military service.”
“The Philippine Army will uphold the highest form of discipline amongst its personnel in the performance of its mandate of serving the people and securing the land. The Army does not tolerate wrongdoings and criminal acts of any soldier, be they officer or enlisted personnel,” the PA statement added.
Durante and Licyayo are currently under the custody of the Eastern Mindanao Command in Camp Pandacan in Davao City, while Plaza, Sialsa, Cachero, and Cabal were placed under the custody of the Army in Davao City. Longakit had been absent without official leave (AWOL).
Plaza was found dead outside her home in Davao City last December 28, 2022. CCTV footage showed one of the suspects pointing a gun at the businesswoman, while another stayed in their getaway motorcycle.
In January, Durante was named the mastermind in the killing of Plaza, while Licyayo allegedly gave the victim’s address to the gunmen.
Plaza was reportedly shot at close range by gunmen riding in tandem on a motorbike in front of her rented house at Barangay Sto. Niño, Tugbok District on Dec. 29.