An in-depth investigation has been ordered to look into all the circumstances that led to what was confirmed to be a shootout between policemen and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Quezon City.
PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the Board of Inquiry will be composed of investigators from the PNP and the PDEA.
“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,” said Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, PNP spokesman.
Usana said Sinas tasked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to take the lead on the investigation on the part of the PNP.
On the other hand, Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. was designated as the official spokesman on the incident, on the part of the PNP.
“The Regional Director, NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) has been designated to speak on any updates from the PNP in order to keep the public updated with accurate and relevant information,” said Usana.
The shootout erupted in front of a mall in Quezon City on Wednesday, Feb, 24. At least two policemen died while another one was seriously injured. Three PDEA agents were also injured.
In a short statement posted on the Media Viber Group of the PDEA, its spokesperson Derrick Carreon said that the PDEA Special Enforcement Team was in the area for a legitimate operation.
Both the PNP and the PDEA would not give specific details as to why the incident led to a shootout.
“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 coordination they have long firmed up in the fight against illegal drugs,” the PNP statement read.