GOVERNMENT prosecutors have recommended the immediate indictment of three agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for homicide in connection with the “bloody” misencounter with police anti-illegal drugs operatives in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City last year.

This was after probable cause was established against the PDEA agents during the preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The PDEA agents to be charged with homicide before the regular courts are Khee Maricar Rodas, Jeffrey Baguidodol, and Jelou Satiniaman over the death of P/Cpl. Eric Elvin Garado.

On the other hand, the DOJ likewise recommended the immediate indictment of four police officers for direct assault in connection with the injuries sustained by PDEA agents.

The policemen are P/Cpl Paul Christian Gandeza, P/Lt. Honey Besas, P/Maj. Sandie Capparoso, and P/SMSG. Melvin Merida.

However, the DOJ junked the homicide case filed against PDEA Agent Romeo Asuncion with the death of P/Cpl. Lauro de Guzman on the ground that the firearm and caliber used to shoot the latter was never identified.

Concerning the death of PDEA Agent Rankin Gano, the DOJ also dismissed the murder case against P/Cpl. Alvin Borja for insufficiency of evidence.

The other complaints for attempted homicide, falsification of official documents, robbery, conniving to or consenting to evasion, arbitrary detention, sedition, and violation of the Anti-Torture Act were dismissed by the DOJ for lack of evidence.

In February 2021, PDEA and PNP (Philippine National Police) operatives shot it out over botched anti-drugs operations near a mall on Commonwealth Avenue.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has intervened in the investigation and directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to be the sole agency to do an independent and impartial probe.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also ordered the NBI to prioritize the investigation into the Commonwealth shootout. By Hector Lawas

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Hector Lawas