DPWH employee killed, robbed inside her house in Manila

MANILA, Philippines—A 59-year-old employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was killed inside her house by a still unidentified thief who took her wallet and other valuables on Thursday morning in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

There were strangulation marks around Remedios Lardaus’ neck and blood coming from her mouth when her body was found by her niece on the stairs leading to the third floor where the victim’s room was located.

Manila Police District homicide investigator SPO1 Charles Duran said the victim’s niece told probers she heard a loud thud early Thursday morning which she thought was caused by her aunt dropping a heavy object. But when she woke up at 3:30 a.m., she found the victim’s body on the stairs.

She told the police that her aunt usually left the sliding door leading to the terrace in her room slightly open to let the air in. Investigators said this may have been the entry used by the robber.—Maricar B. Brizuela