Cop tagged in slay of journalist Jun Pala denies Matobato's claim

The Davao policeman tagged by confessed hitman Edgar Matobato in the murder of radio broadcaster Jun Pala appeared before the Senate justice committee Monday to deny the claim of Matobato.

“Dina-drag niya ‘yung pangalan ko sa assassination ni Jun Pala. That accusation, your honor, is categorically denied by me,” SPO3 Enrique “Jun” Delos Reyes Ayao told the committee.

Ayao said he was even one of those who responded to an attempt on the life of Pala prior to the 2003 murder of the broadcaster.

“Kung meron akong masamang balak kay Jun Pala, dun na sa sasakyan na, iikot ko lang sasakayan, mauubusan na siya ng dugo pero hindi ko ginawa ‘yun kasi kaibigan ko si Pala,” Ayao said.

“I am a member of the Philippine National Police and my duty is to serve and protect,” he stressed.

In his first appearance at the Senate probe on drug-related killings, Matobato said Ayao killed Pala on the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, then city mayor of Davao.

“Naghihintay na lang kami sa tawag kung namatay na si Pala sa kainan... Doon palagi kumakain si Mayor Duterte,” Matobato said. —KBK, GMA News