THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to file homicide charges against the three agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and charges of direct assault against four members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) because of the bloody PDEA-PNP misencounter along Commonwealth, Quezon City on February 2021.
It can be recalled that two policemen, one PDEA agent and one informant were killed in a supposed anti-drug operation that resulted to an armed encounters.
Charges of homicide were recommended by the DOJ against PDEA agents Khee Maricar Rodas, Jeffrey Baguidudol and Jelou Satiniaman for the death of Police Cpl. Eric Elvin Garado.
On the side of the PNP, direct assault charges are to be filed against Police Cpl. Paul Christian Gandeza, Police Cpl. Honey Besas, Police Major Sandie Caparroso and Police Major Melvin Merida due to injuries suffered by some PDEA agents.
This was confirmed by Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento.
Based on the DOJ statement. after careful evaluation of the evidence, the Panel of Prosecutors saw that there were enough evidence to file charges against the respondents.
The cases will be filed with with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
Also, two complaints of homicide in relation to the slay of one cop and one PDEA agent, including other complaints were dismissed due to lack of evidence