Charges filed vs Army personnel tagged in slaying of DPWH engineer
Murder and frustrated murder complaints have been filed against a suspect, identified as an Army personnel, in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old DPWH engineer Karen Del Valle and the wounding of her brother in Catarman, Northern Samar. A ₱200,000 reward has been offered for the suspect's arrest.
Murder and frustrated murder charges have been formally filed against Sgt. Jerome Lluz Tejero, a Philippine Army soldier from the 8th Infantry Division, for the fatal shooting of DPWH engineer Karen (Grace) Corsino Del Valle and the wounding of her brother Kent John Corsino in Catarman, Northern Samar. The incident occurred on March 2, 2026, around 8:45 a.m. in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, near the Regional Trial Court, as Del Valle and her brother were parking their motorcycle. Del Valle, 25 years old, was shot in the head and declared dead on arrival at a hospital, while her 23-year-old brother remains in critical condition.
Sgt. Tejero, who is reportedly Del Valle's live-in partner and a resident of Barangay Airport in Catarman, allegedly fled on a motorcycle after the attack. He is assigned to the 8th ID headquarters in Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar. The Catarman Municipal Police Station completed its investigation and filed the charges with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, citing sufficient evidence. This was announced by the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) on March 12, 2026.
A P200,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Tejero's arrest, with P100,000 each from DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and former Rep. Paul Daza. Checkpoints are active, and the NSPPO promises confidentiality for informants. The Philippine Army's 8th ID condemned the act, confirmed Tejero's involvement, initiated administrative proceedings, and pledged full cooperation with police, assuring no cover-up.
DPWH condemned the killing, expressed solidarity with the family, and urged a swift investigation. Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales called the incident tragic, especially during Women's Month, and directed swift action. The Northern Samar 1st District Employees Association mourned Del Valle as a dedicated public servant. Sgt. Tejero remains at large, with an ongoing manhunt by authorities.
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