DENR chief’s kin shot dead in Rizal

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  – A dentist who was said to be a relative of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje was shot dead in front of his clinic in Rodriguez, Rizal Sunday night.

Ariel Paje Dulay died at the scene from two bullet wounds in the head, said Superintendent Robert Baesa, Rodrigºuez police chief.

Dulay’s friend tried to help him, but he too was shot at by a still unidentified assailant. The bullet missed Dulay’s friend, giving him an opportunity to escape.

Baesa said a day before the murder, Dulay went to the barangay hall to report a threat he received from an unknown caller.

He said the victim also filed a complaint against his lover, who allegedly took his personal belongings and dental equipment.

Investigators are checking the angle that the killing may have been a crime of passion.