Radio blocktimer found hogtied, shot to death in Maguindanao

A radio blocktimer who was missing for the last two weeks was found dead in Maguindanao September 1, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said Tuesday.

 

Citing a report from its Kidapawan chapter, the NUJP identified the fatality as Eddie Jesus Apostol, co-host of the program “Konseho sa Kahanginan” on radio station dxND.

 

NUJP Kidapawan chair and dxND programming director Malu Manar said Apostol's body was found in the Liguasan Marsh near Sultan sa Barongis town.

 

"Apostol’s brand-new red Honda XRM-125 motorcycle and a still unknown sum of money were missing, although his press card was recovered," the report said.

 

The NUJP also reported that Col. Prudencio Asto, public affairs head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, found Apostol’s body "hogtied and had been shot twice in the head."

 

Apostol was also a former town councilor of Magpet, North Cotabato and a known “treasure hunter.”

 

While Apostol was a radio co-host, Manar said that it was not certain if his murder was connected to his work or to his treasure-hunting activities.

 

Manar explained that the “Konseho sa Kahanginan” program dealt only with developmental issues and featured interviews with local government unit officials regarding programs and projects.

 

The program was sponsored by Agham Party List Rep. Angelo Palmones. It first went on air on June 8, 2011.

 

However, the NUJP report did say that Apostol was last seen accompanied by an unidentified man to an alleged treasure-hunting site near the border of Pikit, North Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Aug. 20. — DVM, GMA News