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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Murder of DPWH engineer in Northern Samar condemned

Murder of DPWH engineer in Northern Samar condemned

Published Mar 3, 2026 05:40 pm
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has strongly condemned the killing of a lady engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) by a soldier in Northern Samar and directed the “swift apprehension” of the personnel involved.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the 8th Infantry Division (ID) confirmed that one of its active personnel was involved in a shooting incident that killed Karen del Valle, 25, an engineer of the DPWH Northern Samar first district engineering office.
The shooting that occurred around 8:45 a.m. on March 2 in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, also wounded the victim’s 23-year-old brother.
Police identified the suspect as Sgt. Jerome Lluz Tejero, reportedly a live-in partner of the victim. He is currently assigned to the 8th ID headquarters in Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar.
Both the suspect and the victim are residents of Barangay Airport in Catarman.
“The Philippine Army does not tolerate criminal acts committed by its personnel under any circumstances. Such actions are a direct affront to the core values of honor, service, and patriotism that every soldier is sworn to uphold. The command is fully cooperating with the Philippine National Police in the conduct of the investigation and in the immediate apprehension of the suspect,” the 8th ID stated.
The 8th ID directed subordinate units to intensify coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure the swift apprehension of the personnel involved and his immediate turnover to the proper authorities.
“Parallel to the criminal investigation, the Philippine Army has initiated appropriate administrative proceedings in accordance with military laws and regulations. The 8th ID assures the public that no cover-up will be tolerated and no special treatment will be afforded to the individual concerned,” the division added.
Catarman, Northern Samar Mayor Dianne Rosales, in a statement, described the incident as tragic and disturbing, noting that it occurred near a school.
“It is especially heartbreaking that this occurred on the day we opened our Women’s Month celebration – a time meant to honor the strength and dignity of women in our community. I have directed the authorities in Catarman to act swiftly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Rosales said.
Rosales appealed to the public to stop sharing and posting photos and videos of the incident out of respect for the victim and her family.
The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) assured the public that a fair investigation will be conducted to bring justice to the victim and hold the suspect accountable under the law.
According to the NSPPO, the suspect is an active military personnel assigned in Catbalogan City. Authorities have coordinated with all police stations to expedite the suspect’s arrest.

Related Tags

Murder Deaths Catarman Northern Samar Crime DPWH engineer
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