REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Vince Dizon Joins Efforts To Catch Army Sergeant In DPWH Engineer's Death In Catarman
Photo credit: DPWH
CATARMAN, Northern Samar — Authorities are stepping up efforts to locate an active Philippine Army soldier linked to the tragic death of DPWH engineer Karen Corsino Del Valle, 25, outside the Catarman Regional Trial Court earlier this month.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and former Northern Samar 1st District Representative Paul Daza announced a combined ₱200,000 reward — ₱100,000 each — for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, Sgt. Jerome Lluz Tejero of the 8th Infantry Division.
Authorities also expressed concern for Del Valle’s brother, Kent John Corsino, 25, who was injured during the incident and remains in critical condition.
Incident Overview
Del Valle and her brother were at the courthouse for a Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) case she filed against Tejero when the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. on March 2.
Del Valle suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, while her brother was hospitalized. Tejero reportedly left the scene on a motorcycle, prompting a manhunt with checkpoints in Catarman and nearby towns.
Military Response
The Philippine Army condemned the incident, emphasizing that it does not tolerate misconduct by its personnel. The 8th Infantry Division is cooperating fully with the Philippine National Police in the investigation.
Legal and Community Context
The case falls under the VAWC Act (Republic Act 9262), which provides protections for victims and witnesses. Officials and advocates have highlighted the importance of safety and support for victims in situations where the accused holds a position of authority.
The incident has drawn strong attention from residents, local leaders, and legal observers, who are urging authorities to act swiftly. Anyone with information about Tejero’s whereabouts is encouraged to come forward, with assurances of anonymity and protection.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and former Northern Samar 1st District Representative Paul Daza announced a combined ₱200,000 reward — ₱100,000 each — for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, Sgt. Jerome Lluz Tejero of the 8th Infantry Division.
Authorities also expressed concern for Del Valle’s brother, Kent John Corsino, 25, who was injured during the incident and remains in critical condition.
Incident Overview
Del Valle and her brother were at the courthouse for a Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) case she filed against Tejero when the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. on March 2.
Del Valle suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, while her brother was hospitalized. Tejero reportedly left the scene on a motorcycle, prompting a manhunt with checkpoints in Catarman and nearby towns.
Military Response
The Philippine Army condemned the incident, emphasizing that it does not tolerate misconduct by its personnel. The 8th Infantry Division is cooperating fully with the Philippine National Police in the investigation.
Legal and Community Context
The case falls under the VAWC Act (Republic Act 9262), which provides protections for victims and witnesses. Officials and advocates have highlighted the importance of safety and support for victims in situations where the accused holds a position of authority.
The incident has drawn strong attention from residents, local leaders, and legal observers, who are urging authorities to act swiftly. Anyone with information about Tejero’s whereabouts is encouraged to come forward, with assurances of anonymity and protection.
Mar 8, 2026
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