Shootout stops traffic near Commonwealth Avenue mall

Traffic near Commonwealth Avenue was temporarily stopped early Wednesday night due to a shootout near the Ever Gotesco Mall, authorities have said.

The Quezon City Police District said the armed encounter was still ongoing around 7 p.m. Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were also at the scene.

PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva and QCPD chief Police Brigadier General Danilo Macerin were reportedly at the site.

The Metro Manila Development Authority said traffic on the east bound road off Commonwealth Avenue had been temporarily stopped.

"We have secured all access to the mall so all shoppers are safe inside. Our priority right now is tyo ensure the safety of the employees and the public," Ever Gotesco mall management said in a statement.

"The management is closely coordinating with the PNP," it added. -NB, GMA News