DPWH exec shot dead in N. Samar

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Northern Samar was shot dead in front of his basketball playmates in a university gym in the capital town of Catarman yesterday.

Engineer Virgilio Aleria, 54, head of the maintenance section of the DPWH Northern Samar’s 1st Engineering District, died from bullet wounds in the head and shoulder.

Police are eyeing vengeance as motive behind the killing as Aleria was charged and detained for five years but was later acquitted for the 2005 murder of a colleague.

Reports reaching Camp Crame said the gunman casually approached Aleria and shot him in the head in the gymnasium of the University of Eastern Philippines at 6:15 a.m. yesterday. As Aleria fell, the gunman shot him in the shoulder.       

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