‘Confidential’ Quezon operation was not approved, says Palace

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The police operation against a suspected jueteng operator in Quezon that led to the deaths of 13 people last week was a “confidential” proposal that was not approved, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said Friday.

“I wish to point out though that a news report saying that Palace okayed the operation is completely erroneous,” Ochoa said in a statement.

“Operations plan that was cited in the Inquirer report is a confidential proposal that was not approved,” he said.

In the interest of shedding light on the Quezon shootout, Ochoa said he directed the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) personnel to fully cooperate with authorities investigating the incident.

Ochoa heads the PAOCC.

“I share the concern of those who seek clarifications regarding the circumstances that led to the loss of lives and I am confident that the inquiry to be conducted by the NBI will help produce an accurate account of the events surrounding the shootout,” Ochoa added.