PNP forms TF Apoyon

The top leadership of the Philippine National Police has ordered the creation of Task Force Apoyon to probe the circumstances behind the death of veteran Davao newsman Satur P. Apoyon.

The PNP said it will proceed with the investigations despite lack of interest on the part of the Apoyon family.

The police said it is under obligation to do the fact-finding, or file charges when appropriate, because the victim is a newsman.

Newsmen deaths have become a priority for government following international criticism of unsolved murders victimizing media men in the Philippines.

Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, director of the Police Regional Office 11, earlier ordered the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and the Governor Generoso Municipal Police Station to conduct a backtrack investigation to determine the circumstances behind the death of the former bureau chief of the Philippines News Agency (PNA) Davao.

Morente said the report of the medico-legal officer of Governor Generoso hinted foul play behind the death of Apoyon, 75, due to the stab wound on his right abdomen.

The wife of Apoyon, meanwhile, said she was not inclined to believe the foul play theory.

Annie Apoyon told a GMA News interview that the wound could had been sustained when her husband fell to the sea and carried by waves to Davao Oriental.

Insp. Emmanuel Caquilala, Governor Generoso chief of police, said Apoyon was found by fishermen at mid-sea about seven to 10 miles at the boundary of Malita, Davao del Sur and Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. He was hooked by “payao,” a fish aggregating device made as temporary shelter for fish in the area.

Caquilala said Apoyon’s bloated body was seen around 10 a.m. Tuesday and they were able to bring him to Governor Generoso at 6 p.m. He theorized that he was already dead three or four days.

Morente said the police have to determine the actual cause and time of death and the person or persons behind the incident to give justice to the Apoyons. “An investigation must be pursued,” Morente said.

Senior Superintendent Rene Aspera, director of the DCPO, affirmed the conduct of a backtrack investigation and revealed that his investigators are already coordinating with Satur's family.

He said their earlier investigation revealed that Satur was last seen by a colleague walking aimlessly in one mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue at around 6:00 p.m. on May 19.

Aspera said Satur was also seen in Matina, kilometers away from his residence at 71 Opal Street, Bangkal, Davao City at around 2 p.m. on the same day.

“We theorize that he took a ride in one of the vans which took him to Davao Oriental. But we are still pursuing the investigation to shed light on the cause of his death,” Aspera said. (with PNA)