PRO-Davao invites socmed personality to provide info on bizwoman’s killing

THE Police Regional Office-Davao’s (PRO-Davao) Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) invited social media personality Christian "Xian" Gaza in their investigation of the killing of 38-year-old businesswoman, Yvonne Chua Plaza, but Gaza did not cooperate.

This after Gaza posted a series of screenshots of his conversation with Plaza, with the latter sharing photos of physical injuries allegedly caused by BGen. Jesus Durante III, a Brigade Commander of 1001st Brigade under the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) and former Presidential Security Group chief.

Durante was identified as the main person allegedly behind the death of Plaza, according to the SITG finding.

Gaza in a Facebook post that he had to post the screenshots of his conversation with the late victim as it had been bothering him for a month.

"Kailangan ko lang talagang mag-post dahil ito yung huling habilin ni Yvonne bago siya mapatay," he said.

He also said he refused to cooperate in the investigation.

"I refuse to cooperate to any criminal investigation nor court proceedings," Gaza said.

He added, "I'm not an enemy of the general. He served the country very well and his personal issues won't change that. The general is innocent until proven guilty."

PRO-Davao spokesperson PMaj. Eudisan Gultiano told SunStar Davao in a text message that they had reached out to Gaza for his participation in the investigation, but the latter did not respond.

"We had invited him at the outset of the investigation but he did not respond or cooperated with us. If he has more information, we would appreciate it if he cooperates with us

[a]nd helps the authority seek justice thru legal means and not by posting on social media. Our line is always open," Gultiano said.

Despite their recent finding, the police official said they are still welcoming any individuals who wish to step up and provide valid information for the development of the case.

"Kung verified yan pwede madagdag sa evidence. To prove the motive. nasa preliminary investigation pa naman yan pwede pa kami mag-supplemental," she said.

Aside from Durante, the SITG said they have identified ten persons who are allegedly involved in the murder of Plaza. Of the 10, seven are personnel of the 1001st Brigade of the Philippine Army, one is a civilian, and two other "John Does," who have yet to be determined if they are civilians or part of the same brigade.

On December 28, 2022, Plaza was killed outside her house by two gunmen. RGL