PDEA stands by agents indicted for 2021 ‘misencounter’ with QC cops

Aftermath of a shootout near Ever Gotesco Mall in Quezon City this evening. PDEA agents were seen lying on the ground. Photo from PNP-PIO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Saturday said it “unequivocally stands behind” the actions of its agents who are now facing homicide charges for the 2021 “misencounter” in Quezon City with the police that left three operatives dead.

The PDEA issued the statement after a Department of Justice prosecution panel indicted PDEA officers Khee Maricar Rodas, Jeffrey Baguidudol and Jelou Santiniaman for the death of Corporal Eric Garado of the Quezon City Police District.

“In light of this resolution and after the conduct of its own internal investigation, the PDEA unequivocally stands behind the actions of its DEOs (drug enforcement officers), that the actions of the PDEA agents in that fateful afternoon embody the agency’s brand of professionalism and excellence,” the anti-drug agency said in a statement.

The PDEA added that the “facts, indisputable circumstances, electronic evidence in the form of CCTV (closed circuit television) footage, jurisprudence, and other pieces of evidence sufficiently show the culpability and accountability of the police commissioned and non-commissioned officers involved in the incident.”

Despite this, the PDEA said it “respects the authority and competence” of the DOJ prosecution panel in its conduct of the preliminary investigation.

Aside from Rodas, Baguidudol, and Santiniaman, the DOJ prosecution panel also recommended the filing of direct assault charges against police officers Maj. Sandie Caparroso, PLt. Honey Besas, PSMS. Melvin Merida and PCpl. Paul Christian Gandez for mauling four backup PDEA agents.

Meanwhile, the prosecution panel dismissed the homicide complaints against PDEA agent Romeo Asuncion for the death of PCpl. Lauro De Guzman, and the complaint against PCpl. Alvin Borja for the death of PDEA agent Rankin Gano.

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/MUF