School principal shot dead inside her bedroom

By Cet Dematera

LEGAZPI CITY --- A public school principal of the Department of Education was shot dead at 3 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday by still unidentified suspect inside their house in Napoville Subdivision in Barangay Napo, Polangui, Albay.

Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, Bicol police director, identified the victim as Berverly Cabaltera, 53 years old. She is the school principal of Pioduran National High School in Pioduran town.

Quoting police investigation report, Dimas said that the family members of Cabaltera heard a commotion and a gun shot inside her room. Her family said that upon opening her room, they found Cabaltera unconscious and had a gunshot wound in her neck.

Dimas said that Cabaltera was immediately brought to the nearby Isip General Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Dimas said he already ordered an in-depth investigation of the case, including the possible identification of the suspects through CCTV footages and the testimonies of the witnesses.

“Our police are still conducting an investigation and inquiry to establish the motive of the shooting incident. It has already gathered statements from the neighbourhood as well as the CCTV footage that would lead to the identification of the suspects,” Dimas said in an official statement.

He said he was extending his condolences to the bereaved family, adding that the police are doing their part to solve the crime and bring justice to the victim and her family.

“We are saddened about this incident despite our strengthened police operations there are still lawless elements who are out there to sow terror,” he said.