Missing cop found dead

A police inspector assigned at the Eastern Police District (EPD), reported missing since he left home last July 25 to buy milk for his daughter, was found dead over the weekend in Taytay, Rizal.

The decomposing body of Inspector German Hepuller, 37, was found floating in the Pasig River floodway near Velasquez St., Barangay San Juan, Taytay, at about 3 p.m. Saturday. He was hogtied, had injuries on his head and had been stabbed twice.

Hepuller was positively identified by his wife, Amelia and mother, Salvacion, who were accompanied to the scene by his superior, Superintendent Leopoldo Galon, operations chief of the EPD.

Hepuller’s service firearm, a caliber 9 mm automatic pistol was missing.

The victim’s wife and mother sought Galon Saturday to inquire about Hepuller who had not returned home since he was asked by Amelia to buy milk for their daughter early in the morning of July 25.

Galon coordinated with Superintendent Nonito Ablan, Taytay police chief, and learned that the body of an unidentified male had been found floating in the floodway.

Hepuller was identified by Amelia and Salvacion through a white t-shirt marked with "San Juan Cop" in red and brown short pants, the same clothes he was wearing when he left their home at Block 5, Lot 23, Hollywood St., Cresda, Crestaville 11, Taytay town.

Amelia went into hysterics upon seeing her dead husband and was rushed to the nearest hospital. She was sent home after a short rest.

Hepuller’s body was brought to the PNP crime laboratory in Camp Crame for autopsy.

Chief Superintendent George Aliño, EPD director expressed sadness over the loss of Hepuller. "We regret the loss of a good and outstanding police officer," said Aliño, claiming Hepuller played an important role in a number of accomplishments of the EPD.

Aliño directed Galon and Superintendent John Sosito, Pasig City police chief to coordinate with the Taytay police in solving the case of Hepuller so his soul would rest in peace.

Hepuller is the president of their homeowners’ association. He might have earned the ire of his neighbors while doing his job as president, Aliño said.

This suspicion was heightened by the testimony of PO1 Elpidio Castillo, who claimed he confiscated a samurai and a big stone from Hepuller’s neighbors who appeared to be waiting for Hepuller when he accompanied him home last month.

"We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation to get the killers," said Aliño. "We have some leads but cannot discuss them yet pending the arrest of the suspects."