2 angles eyed in DENR exec’s slay

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is pursuing two angles in the killing of a district officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quirino province.

This developed as the family of the slain forester, Alfredo Almueda, decried what they described as the slow pace of the investigation.

Almueda, 59, was shot dead while manning a checkpoint in Barangay Villa Sur here before dawn of Jan. 1.

NBI Regional Director Hector Geologo told The STAR that the motive for the killing of Almueda could be work-related or personal.

Initial investigation showed that Almueda had to leave his drinking buddies supposedly in response to a text message over an alleged illegal shipment of lumber in his jurisdiction.

Geologo said they have not taken custody of the cellular phone where the supposed tipoff on the hot logs shipment was sent.

Quirino police director Senior Superintendent Domingo Lucas earlier said Almueda did not ask their assistance in the supposed operation.

Meanwhile, a park in Quirino will be named after Almueda in Maddela town.

 â€œEven up to his very last day, forester Almueda displayed what truly a public servant is. He is my best partner in the preservation of our environment,” said Nagtipunan town Mayor Nieverose Camma-Meneses.