DPWH executive wounded, driver slain in ambush

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY , Philippines  – A regional official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was wounded while his driver was killed when two motorcycle-riding men ambushed them in Barangay Carmen here yesterday morning, authorities said.

Police said Avaise Sombreo, driver of engineer Mauro Bravo, DPWH assistant regional director for northern Mindanao, sustained eight gunshot wounds, including one in the head, and did jot reach the JR Borja Memorial Hospital alive.

Bravo survived the attack but sustained six gunshot wounds. He was pronounced out of danger yesterday, police said.

Police said Bravo was en route to the DPWH regional office in Barangay Bulua from his home in Barangay Macanhan when his heavily tinted car was fired at.

Police said Bravo, who was seated beside Sombreo, was quick to recline his seat, dodging most of the bullets.

The gunmen fled only when a police officer and a soldier rushed to the scene.

Chief Inspector Michael John Deloso, head of the Carmen police station, said the ambush could be work-related but that probers were not discounting other angles.

Deloso said they were still gathering information from witnesses, including two road and traffic administration enforcers, a policeman, and a soldier.

Marichu Lago, DPWH information officer, said Bravo has no known enemies in the department or outside the workplace.

“We cannot imagine why someone could do this to him (Bravo). He is a nice person,” Lago told The STAR in the vernacular.

Lago said regional director Jerome de la Rosa has advised all DPWH employees to be careful.