Belmonte: Buy-bust ops in public places unfair for businesses

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday questioned the operations held by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at the Ever Gotesco Mall that led to the misencounter that killed two policemen, a PDEA agent, and an informant.

In a briefing, Belmonte said the incident had a negative impact as well on nearby businesses.

"Nagsagawa pala ng operations na ganito ang ating authorities sa commercial establishments ng ating lungsod. At sa tingin ko hindi siya fair sa atin pong negosyante. Kasi ngayon iisipin ng mga tao 'Ay huwag tayong pumunta sa Ever kasi baka may operations diyan' 'Ay baka madamay tayo kung nagkamali,'" Belmonte said.

Belmonte called on other authorities to have thorough plans on operations in establishments to avoid these kinds of misencounters.

"It's not fair on our businessmen. And I also would like them to resolve that issue, as to how do they choose the places while they conduct their operations at hindi man lang nila naiisip na baka naaapektuhan na 'yung mga negosyo doon," she said.

A joint board of inquiry composed of personnel from both camps will be established following the shootout on Wednesday evening. — DVM, GMA News