Davao police still clueless on journalist's death

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Authorities were still clueless on the death of a veteran journalist whose body was found floating in the coastal town of Gov. Generoso in Davao Oriental Tuesday night, five days after he was reported missing by his family.

Police have yet to establish the cause of death of Saturnino Apoyon, 75, former bureau chief of the Philippine News Agency here and a columnist of the weekly Mindanao Journal.

Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, Southern Mindanao police director, said he instructed the police chiefs of both Davao City and Gov. Generoso town to conduct a joint investigation into Apoyon’s death.

“I still have to receive their report. There are many theories or speculations but we really do not know how he ended up in Gov. Generoso,” Morente told The STAR.

Apoyon’s remains were reportedly in an advanced state of decomposition with his face no longer recognizable. Identification cards found in his wallet helped identify him. The wallet also contained a $5 bill and calling cards.

Apoyon reportedly left his house at SM Village in Barangay Bangkal, Matina this city at around 5 a.m. last May 19 for his daily morning walk but he never returned since then. He was said to be on medication for certain ailments.

Reports said Apoyon was seen at Victoria Plaza Mall here a day after he was reported missing.

Apoyon, who hailed from Bohol, became known for his Bol-anon poems in the 1970s.

He wrote the “Matag Karon Ug Unya” vernacular column in the Mindanao Journal where his last entry was entitled “Ulan Sa Mayo Diyes.”

Apoyon reportedly wrote about the Davao Writers Guild and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in his last column.

Apoyon’s remains were expected to be cremated yesterday, as requested by his family.