In recent months, two chilling crimes in the Philippines have shaken communities and sparked national conversations about violence against women. Though they occurred in different provinces and involved different circumstances, the stories share a painful common thread: relationships that once began with love ultimately ended in violence and tragedy.

One case unfolded in the quiet town of Catarman in Northern Samar, where a respected civil engineer was gunned down in broad daylight outside a courthouse. The other took place in Bataan, where a woman mysteriously disappeared after livestreaming on social media—only to be found days later under her own bed.

Both cases horrified the public and highlighted the urgent need for stronger awareness, protection, and justice for victims of domestic violence.

The Bright Future of Engineer Karen Del Valleye

Before tragedy struck, Karen Grace Corsino Del Valleye was known by colleagues and family as a woman of intelligence, determination, and compassion.

Born in Airport Village in Catarman, Northern Samar, Karen grew up in a modest household where hard work and perseverance were daily realities. Her parents struggled to support their children, but Karen was determined to change her family’s future.

From an early age, she excelled in school.

Teachers described her as a diligent student who rarely settled for anything less than excellence. Her classmates remembered her as friendly and focused—someone who balanced kindness with an unwavering drive to succeed.

Karen’s dream was clear: she wanted to become an engineer.

A Dream Realized

After graduating from high school with strong academic results, Karen enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program.

The course was demanding, requiring countless hours of study and dedication. But Karen remained focused on her goal.

Her family later recalled how she would spend long nights reviewing lessons and preparing for exams.

Unlike many students who balanced academics with social life, Karen prioritized her studies above everything else.

That sacrifice paid off.

In May 2017, Karen successfully passed the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination—an achievement that opened the door to a promising career.

Soon after, she was hired as a Civil Engineer II at the district office of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Northern Samar.

For Karen, the position meant more than professional success. It was an opportunity to repay the sacrifices her parents had made for her education.

A Life of Responsibility

As Karen’s career progressed, she became known not only as a skilled engineer but also as a devoted mother.

She had previously married and had children, but the relationship eventually ended. After the separation, Karen took full responsibility for raising her children.

Her family stepped in to help care for them while she worked long hours.

Despite the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, Karen remained determined to give her children a stable and comfortable future.

To supplement her income, she even ventured into small businesses.

She sold a variety of products online—from imported goods to local delicacies such as dried fish and longganisa. She also traded jewelry, children’s books, and other items.

Friends described her as a tireless provider who would do whatever it took to support her family.

A Relationship That Turned Dangerous

Some time later, Karen met a man who would change the course of her life.

The man was identified as Jerome Luis Deero, an active soldier in the Philippine Army assigned to a headquarters in Samar.

Initially, their relationship seemed promising.

Jerome reportedly courted Karen persistently, and eventually the two became live-in partners.

For a while, things appeared stable. Jerome even formed a bond with Karen’s children.

But over time, cracks began to appear.

Arguments became more frequent, and Karen’s loved ones later revealed that Jerome allegedly began showing signs of violent behavior.

According to reports, physical abuse occurred during their conflicts.

Karen also received threats from her partner.

Seeking Protection Under the Law

Eventually, Karen made the difficult decision to end the relationship.

Determined to protect herself and her children, she filed a case under Republic Act 9262, also known as the Violence Against Women and Children Act.

The law provides protection for victims of abuse by partners or former partners.

For Jerome, the case carried serious consequences.

If found guilty, he could face not only criminal charges but also dismissal from military service.

Court hearings were scheduled for early March.

Karen knew facing her former partner would be emotionally difficult, but she was determined to pursue justice.

The Morning of the Attack

On the morning of the hearing, Karen woke up early.

Her younger brother accompanied her as they rode a motorcycle to the courthouse in Catarman.

They arrived outside the justice building around 8:30 a.m.

But before they could even step off the motorcycle, a gunman suddenly appeared.

CCTV footage later captured the chilling moment.

A man rushed toward them, removed his helmet, and pulled out a firearm.

Without warning, he opened fire.

Witnesses heard multiple gunshots as panic erupted around the courthouse area.

A Tragic End

The attacker fled on a motorcycle, but moments later returned after hearing Karen speak.

He fired again.

Both Karen and her brother were rushed to the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital.

But despite medical efforts, Karen did not survive.

Her brother sustained gunshot wounds but lived long enough to help identify the suspect.

Investigators soon confirmed the alleged gunman was Jerome—the former partner Karen had taken to court.

A massive manhunt began immediately.

Authorities Launch a Search

The Philippine Army’s Eighth Infantry Division acknowledged that the suspect was indeed a member of their unit.

Military officials stated that they would fully cooperate with the investigation.

They emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability, making it clear that the suspect would not receive special treatment.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways joined local officials in offering a reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Karen’s family pleaded with the public for help.

Their only wish, they said, was justice.

Another Tragedy in Bataan

While Karen’s case shocked the nation, another tragedy had already begun unfolding in Samal, Bataan.

On January 10, 2026, a 36-year-old woman named Jenelyn Asukro Santiago livestreamed a simple moment from her life.

In the video, she appeared cheerful as she swept the yard of her home.

Nothing seemed unusual.

But after the livestream ended, Jenelyn disappeared.

A Mysterious Silence

At first, relatives assumed Jenelyn had returned to work without informing them.

But days passed with no response to calls or messages.

Neighbors soon began noticing a foul odor coming from the house.

Concerned relatives eventually entered the home to investigate.

What they discovered was horrifying.

A Gruesome Discovery

Inside the bedroom, the smell led them to a disturbing source.

Under the bed was a large plastic-wrapped bundle.

When they opened it, they found Jenelyn’s lifeless body.

A knife remained lodged near her neck, and socks had been stuffed in her mouth.

Investigators later confirmed she had died from strangulation.

The Prime Suspect

Police soon focused on a primary suspect: Jenelyn’s estranged husband, Renato Santiago.

The couple had separated after Jenelyn discovered his alleged affair.

Witnesses reported seeing Renato near the house on the night Jenelyn disappeared.

Investigators believe he may have seen her livestream and traveled from Pampanga to Bataan to confront her.

Authorities suspect he wanted reconciliation—and that rejection may have triggered violence.

A Family’s Search for Justice

Today, both cases remain powerful reminders of the dangers many women face in abusive relationships.

Karen Del Valleye was a dedicated engineer and mother who sought protection through the legal system.

Jenelyn Santiago was a hardworking woman trying to rebuild her life after betrayal.

Both women had hopes, responsibilities, and dreams.

Both lost their lives in acts of violence allegedly committed by men who once claimed to love them.

A Nation Reflects

These tragedies have sparked renewed calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and children.

Advocates say more awareness, faster legal action, and better support systems are needed to prevent such crimes.

For the families of Karen and Jenelyn, however, the focus remains painfully simple.

Justice.

They continue to hope that those responsible will be found and held accountable—so that the stories of these two women will not be remembered only for how they died, but also for the lives they fought so hard to build.