Catarman: The Philippine Army has strongly condemned the killing of a lady engineer from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) by a soldier in Northern Samar. The Army has directed the 'swift apprehension' of the personnel involved in this incident.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) confirmed the involvement of one of its active personnel in a shooting incident that killed Karen del Valle, a 25-year-old engineer from the DPWH Northern Samar first district engineering office. The shooting, which occurred around 8:45 a.m. on March 2 in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman town, also wounded the victim's 23-year-old brother.
Police have identified the suspect as Sgt. Jerome Lluz Tejero, who was reportedly the live-in partner of the victim. Tejero is currently assigned to the 8ID headquarters in Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar. Both the suspect and the victim are residents of Barangay Airport in Catarman town.
'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 8ID stated.
The 8ID has 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 8ID 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 described the incident as tragic and disturbing, noting that it took place 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 has also 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) has assured the public of a fair investigation 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, and authorities have coordinated with all police stations to expedite the suspect's arrest.
