The court martial case is being held at the Philippine Army headquarters, according to a spokesperson. Durante, one of the suspects in the murder of Yvonne Plaza, continues to attend hearings, with the timeline for the outcome of the case still undisclosed. Durante and other soldiers are charged with violations under Article of War 96 and Article of War 97. David Ezra Francisquete reported
The Court Martial Case Conducted at the Philippine Army Headquarters
In a phone interview on Monday morning, October 23, 2023, the spokesperson of the Philippine Army confirmed that the court martial case is being conducted at the headquarters of the Philippine Army. This indicates the seriousness with which the case is being handled by the military authorities.
Continued Attendance and Upcoming Sessions of Durante
During a separate media interview, Tito, the spokesperson, mentioned that the accused soldier, Durante, continues to attend his hearings and is scheduled for upcoming sessions later this year. This suggests that the legal proceedings are progressing steadily, and the military is ensuring that Durante’s case is given due consideration.
However, the Philippine Army has not yet provided any information regarding the expected timeline for the outcome of Durante’s case. This leaves room for speculation regarding the duration of the court martial process and the decision-making process of the military justice system.
The Case of Yvonne Plaza’s Murder
On December 29, 2022, a tragic incident occurred when 38-year-old businesswoman and model, Yvonne Plaza, was fatally shot outside her residence on Buttercup Street, Green Meadows Subdivision in Brgy. Sto. NiƱo, Tugbok District, Davao City. This incident shocked the community and raised concerns about safety and security.
The Investigation and Implicated Suspects
In response to this heinous crime, the authorities formed a Special Investigation Task Group-Plaza (SITG-Plaza) on January 25, 2023, to probe the murder. During the investigation, it was revealed that eight suspects, including Durante, were implicated in Plaza’s murder. The suspects were identified as Colonel Michael Licyayo, Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza, Corporal Adrian Cachero, Private Class Delfin Sialsa, Corporal Romart Longakit, Corporal Rolly Cabal, and Noel Hapitan.
Charges and Violations
Durante and the other soldiers involved in the case have been charged with violations under Article of War 96, which pertains to “conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman,” and Article of War 97, which covers “all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and military discipline and all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the military service.” These charges reflect the severity of the alleged actions and their impact on the military’s reputation.
The court martial case regarding the murder of Yvonne Plaza is currently underway at the headquarters of the Philippine Army. This location choice demonstrates the importance and gravity of the proceedings. The military authorities are keen on ensuring that justice is served and that the case is handled with the utmost seriousness.
Durante, one of the accused soldiers, remains committed to attending his hearings and is expected to participate in upcoming sessions later this year. This commitment indicates his cooperation with the legal process and his willingness to face the charges against him. However, the timeline for the final decision on Durante’s case has not yet been disclosed by the Philippine Army, leaving room for speculation regarding the duration of the court martial and the factors influencing its outcome.
The murder of Yvonne Plaza on December 29, 2022, sent shockwaves through the community. The incident took place outside her residence in the Green Meadows Subdivision of Davao City. The tragic event raised concerns about the safety and security of individuals in the area.
In response to the crime, the authorities established the Special Investigation Task Group-Plaza (SITG-Plaza) to thoroughly investigate the murder. The investigation revealed the involvement of eight suspects, including Durante, who were implicated in Plaza’s murder. The suspects, identified as Colonel Michael Licyayo, Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza, Corporal Adrian Cachero, Private Class Delfin Sialsa, Corporal Romart Longakit, Corporal Rolly Cabal, and Noel Hapitan, are all under scrutiny in relation to their alleged roles in the crime.
Durante and the other soldiers involved in the case are facing charges under Article of War 96, which addresses “conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman.” Additionally, they are charged under Article of War 97, which encompasses “all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and military discipline and all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the military service.” These charges reflect the severity of the alleged offenses and the potential damage they may have caused to the military’s reputation and discipline..