Mother of two emerges as top police investigator

Police work still is largely a man’s field. Just over seven percent of the 118,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are women.

But neither the men’s dominance in numbers nor the challenge of the job has prevented Lucita Apurillo from joining the force and excelling in her chosen profession.

Police Officer 2 Apurillo has been adjudged as Investigator of the Year by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during its 53rd anniversary celebration yesterday at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Apurillo is assigned to the CIDG’s Women and Children Complaints Division (WCCD), a unit that handles cases involving abused children and battered housewives.

"The police leadership provides training to make investigators like me handle cases properly," said Apurillo, who pointed out that each time a victim recalls her ordeal it is as if she was going through the experience.

Although hearing stories of abused women and children can be depressing, Apurillo said she experiences fulfillment when the aggressor is arrested, prosecuted and convicted.

"I’m happy at my job. I really wanted to become a police officer to be able to help those in need," Apurillo said.

An experienced investigator, the officer advised parents to always keep open the lines of communication with their children.

"That’s what I do with my two children, ages 12 and 10. I even ask them what time the school bus arrives and other little details. Parang barkada lang kami, but I see to it that they respect me," she said.

A graduate of agricultural technology, Apurillo used to work for a telephone company, but later decided to join the PNP.

"I have a high respect for men in uniform," noted Apurillo, who loves her work so much that in one operation she even posed as a GRO (guest relations officer) seeking employment in another country.

In that particular case, an illegal recruiter was arrested and was convicted to life imprisonment for duping several women seeking decent jobs abroad.

Her immediate boss, CIDG officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango, said Apurillo’s success only proves that there is no discrimination in the PNP or the CIDG.

"Here, we encourage everybody to perform their respective tasks well," Tango said. "We also encourage women to join the PNP and help us serve and protect citizens from criminals."

Apurillo joined several other officers given recognition by the CIDG for their invaluable service.

Other awardees were Superintendent Nelson Yabut, Chief Inspector Prudencio Enojo Jr., SPO4 Pedro Barsana, PO3 Agusto Gacayan and SPO1 Myra Zata.

Special awards were also given to Vigan Judge Francisco Ante, Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, lawyer Nina Patricia Arroyo, retired CIDG PIO Felix Vargas, Marciano Sonza of GMA-7, Florie Gabitan of dwBL, Teena Clemente of dwDD, David Oro of dzMM, Carmelo Acuna of dzRV, Cecille Suerte Felipe of The STAR, Boy Santos of The STAR, Luige del Puerto of Inquirer, Art Torres and Aris Ilagan of Manila Bulletin.