DENR employee killed in ambush
By Martin A. Sadongdong
An employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects in Antipolo City early Friday morning in what was seen as a crime possibly related to his work.
Superintendent Serafin Petalio III, chief of Antipolo City Police Station, identified the victim as Dominador Lucas, 54, of Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo City.
Initial investigation revealed that Lucas was on his way to work at the DENR office in Taytay, Rizal when the lone gunman appeared around 8:25 a.m. and riddled him with bullets on Ramos Street, Barangay Dela Paz – some 12 kilometers from where his work was.
Petalio said Lucas was hit multiple times in the head and body which killed him instantly.
Meanwhile, the gunman fled the scene before boarding a motorcycle waiting on Taktak Bridge and driven by his cohort towards Sumulong Highway.
“Lumalabas na inabangan ang biktima tapos tumakas lang ang suspek gamit ‘yung motorsiklo. Mukhang inaral at pinagplanuhan itong kaso,” said Petalio.
“Ang isang tinitignan nating anggulo diyan ay work-related o baka land-grabbing, away sa lupa. Baka may nakaaway tapos inabangan bago pumasok sa trabaho,” he added.
Petalio said investigators have already talked to the family of the slain DENR employee to clear the gray areas in their probe.