NBI sues PDEA, QCPD members in shootout

MANILA – Various charges, including homicide and robbery, were filed Monday by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) involved in a shootout last February 24 at a parking lot in a Commonwealth Avenue mall.

A statement issued by the office of Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said the charges filed before the Special Cases Division were for homicide, attempted homicide, direct assault, robbery, falsification of documents, and conniving or consenting to evasion.

The incident was initially declared a misencounter but later turned out to be a botched anti-drug operation allegedly due to non-coordination between the QCPD and PDEA.

The NBI was designated as the sole investigating body by President Rodrigo Duterte for the incident that resulted in the death of two police officers, a PDEA agent, and an informant.

The informant, Untong Matalnas, allegedly arranged the sale of drugs to entrap Jonaire Decena, a detainee and police asset.

PDEA agents Khee Rodas, Jelou Satiniaman, and Jeffrey Baguidudol were charged for the death of Cpl. Eric Elvin Garado; and Romeo Asuncion for the killing of Cpl. Lauro De Guzman.

Cpl. Alvin Borja will be sued for the death of PDEA agent Rankin Gano.

Attempted homicide charges were also recommended against Satiniaman, Borja, Lt. Ronnie Ereno, and Corporals Marlon Masiclat, Ronilo Prepose, Jason Corañez, Aries Curit, Marco Tapanan, and James Dasalla in connection with injuries sustained by Baguidudol and fellow agent Martin Matthew Soriano.

Direct assault with physical injuries and direct assault were filed against Maj. Sandie Caparroso, Cpl. Paul Gandeza, Lt. Honey Besas, and other unidentified police officers, while falsification of an NBI identification card was filed against Baguidudol.

Charges of robbery were also filed against Caparroso and Gandeza for taking personal belongings such as mobile phones, firearms, and cash.

Conniving or consenting to evasion suits were slapped against Caparroso, Besas, Ereno, and Cpl. Christopher Alvarez. (PNA)

Agencies