By Sarwell Meniano

JUSTICE SOUGHT. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon visits the wake of a lady engineer slain by her live-in partner in Northern Samar. Dizon has offered a reward of PHP100,000 for anyone who can provide information that could lead to the arrest of the shooter. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)

STA. RITA, Samar – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has offered a PHP100,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest of the shooter of the DPWH lady engineer in Northern Samar.

In an interview Monday, Dizon expressed condolences to the family of engineer Karen Grace Corsino Del Valle, an employee of the DPWH Northern Samar first district engineering office, who was shot in front of the Regional Trial Court in Catarman, Northern Samar, on March 2.

She was fatally shot by Sgt. Jerome Lluz Tejero, her former live-in partner and active member of the Philippine Army. The shooting in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman town, also wounded the victim’s 23-year-old brother.

The shooting happened after the first hearing of a case she filed against him for violation of the Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.

“We assure the victim’s family of the government’s assistance, including legal support to help speed up the case and bring justice to the slain engineer,” Dizon told reporters.

The DPWH chief visited the wake of the slain lady engineer in Catarman, Northern Samar on Monday before inspecting the ongoing road improvement and maintenance activities in Samar province.

Former Northern Samar 1st District Representative Paul Daza also pledged another PHP100,000, bringing the total bounty to PHP200,000.

Dizon said the department will coordinate with authorities to ensure that the case moves forward and those responsible are held accountable. (PNA)