PNP, PDEA to set up board of inquiry after Commonwealth shootout

A joint board of inquiry composed of personnel from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will be established following the shootout involving the PNP anti-illegal drug operatives and PDEA agents at the Ever Gotesco Mall on Wednesday evening.

“In the interest of determining the truth behind the incident, a joint PNP-PDEA Board of Inquiry will be formed to determine what transpired and who should be held liable,” the PNP said in a statement.

PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas appointed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group as the lead investigating body, while the National Capital Region Police Office regional director has been designated to “speak on any updates from the PNP in order to keep the public updated with accurate and relevant information.”

“The PNP and PDEA both agree and assure the public that the incident, while serious, will in no way affect the continuing operational relationship and coordinations they have long firmed up in the fight against illegal drugs,” the PNP said.

Two policemen were killed in a shootout between members of the Quezon City Police District and PDEA agents on Wednesday evening.

Following the incident, PDEA insisted that their agents were on a legitimate buy-bust at the mall.

PDEA spokesperson Derrick Careon said the PDEA agents had proper documents supporting a buy-bust operation. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News