MANILA – “Justice for Yvonne!”
Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas and Vice Chairperson Sarah Elago expressed profound indignation over the acquittal of former Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante III by the military court in the murder case of Davao-based model and business woman Yvonne Chua Plaza in Davao City in 2022 for “lack of evidence”.
Brosas said that it is not just justice that was denied to Yvonne but the decision proves that under this current system, those in power are more favored.
The Special Investigation Task Group identified Durante in January 2023 as the alleged mastermind in the Plaza murder case.
“The public saw the brutal killing of Yvonne Chua Plaza, the reports that implicated active military officers, and the firearm traced back to the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] itself,” Brosas said.
Plaza was shot dead by the subordinates of Durante from the 101st Infantry Brigade in front of her rented house in Green Meadows subdivision at Barangay Tugbok, Davao City last December 30, 2022.
Despite the surrender and implication of Sergeant Delfin Sialsa, Cpl. Adrian Cachero, and Private First Class Rolly Cabal, the court has acquitted the ex-chief of all charges against him.
“This decision is a statement that women’s lives can be taken without consequence…We refuse to accept that.” Elago said.
The partylist contends that the military court’s ruling sends a chilling message to women, suggesting that despite strong evidence of military abuse and impunity, achieving justice remains elusive.
Gabriela insists on accountability, not acquittal, and demands justice that truly supports those who have suffered military-perpetrated violence.
“How many more women must die before the state recognizes its duty to protect them from those sworn to serve?…We need to stand up—for Yvonne, and for the thousands of women silenced by this system,” Brosas concluded. (RTS, RVO)
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