A HIGH-RANKING security official has denied involvement in the killing of 38-year-old businesswoman, Yvonne Chua, after his name surfaced in a social media post.
“Yvonne was a friend. My name is being dragged based on an FB post made last April 2022 wherein I allegedly hurt her. She later retracted the post and issued a statement that I did not in any way harmed her,” 1001st Brigade Commander General Jess Durante, who was linked to Chua’s murder, said in a text message to SunStar Davao on January 4, 2022.
Chua, in her alleged old Facebook post circulating online, claimed that she had incurred injuries allegedly caused by Durante.
On December 29, 2022, Chua was shot outside of her house on Buttercup St. at Green Meadows Subdivision in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Tugbok District, Davao City by two unidentified gunmen.
“I understand that there is already an ongoing investigation by the police authorities. Hence, I encourage anyone who has information that would lead to the resolution of this heinous crime to coordinate with the police,” Durante said.
He added that he was sad about Chua's death and demanded justice for her.
Meanwhile, 10ID pledged to cooperate with the ongoing investigation of the murder of Chua.
In a separate interview during the AFP-PNP Press Conference on January 4, 2023, 10ID spokesperson Capt. Mark Anthony Tito said they are willing to cooperate “if needed” with the special investigation task group (SITG).
“There’s no formal complaint yet that has been submitted to 10ID, so we cannot make actions based on social media posting but of course we are aware, that’s why we are answering queries,” Tito said.
He added they are also in close coordination with the Police Regional Office Davao Region.
“We will wait for the result of the investigation, and if needed we will cooperate, mao gyud na ang guidance sa amoang division commander (this is the command from our division commander),” he said.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will reward P1 million to anyone who can lead them to the suspect of the murder. KSD