Two policemen were killed in a shooting that took place outside Ever Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and the encounter was reportedly between personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a Twitter post by GMA News reporter James Agustin, it is said that the policemen who are members of the QCPD-District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) conducted an anti-illegal drug operation outside a fast-food area.
It is not yet clear how PDEA personnel were involved in the encounter, but the DSOU team leader was among those injured and taken to the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct its own investigation into the “misencounter” between the PDEA agents and Quezon City cops.
According to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, he has ordered NBI to “conduct a parallel investigation” on the shooting incident.
“I have ordered the NBI to conduct a parallel investigation on the alleged misencounter this evening between PNP anti-illegal drug operatives and PDEA agents at Commonwealth Avenue,” he said in a statement released early Thursday.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said two police officers died in the incident, while another cop is in critical condition.
2 cops dead in PDEA vs. PNP ‘misencounter’ in Ever Gotesco Commonwealth
Danao added three PDEA agents were also wounded in the encounter.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said a joint PNP-PDEA team would be created to look into the shooting incident.
“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,” he said.
The Ever Commonwealth management issued a statement and confirmed the shooting that allegedly took place outside the mall.
“We have secured all access to the mall so all shoppers are safe inside. Our priority right now is to ensure the safety of the employees and the public,” it said.
“The management is closely coordinating with the PNP of the current situation. Please bear with us as we allow the authorities to handle the situation. For now, we hope for everyone’s cooperation to exercise caution in sharing unconfirmed information online. Thank you,” it added.