DENR employee, driver shot dead

BUTUAN CITY , Philippines   â€“ An employee of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Rosario, Agusan del Sur and his driver were shot dead while on their way to a checkpoint along the national highway in the mining town last Saturday morning, police said.

The victims, Camilo Castones, 43, who was in charge of checkpoints, and his driver, Joseph Camarillo, 18, were cruising Barangay Sta. Cruz on board a motorcycle when they were attacked.

Castones was killed on the spot, while Camarillo was pronounced dead on arrival at the D. O. Plaza Medical Hospital in Prosperidad town due to heavy loss of blood. They were believed shot with .45-caliber pistols.

Police suspect the killing might have something to do with the reported rampant illegal mining in Rosario town.

Police probers though alleged that Castrones was also engaged in small-scale mining.