Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 10)— The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has launched an internal investigation on the controversial buy-bust operation in Davao De Oro over the weekend.
This was confirmed by PDEA Region 11 Director Aileen Lovitos in a media conference on Wednesday.
At least 17 people were arrested while some ₱1.5 million worth of illegal substances were seized during the raid at a resort in Mabini town on Nov. 6.
The issue was further thrust into the spotlight after Davao City information officer Jefry Tupas was tagged in the operation.
While Tupas said she had left the party before the raid, the arrested suspects — in a separate media interview — claimed the official was present during the operation but was released because of her supposed connection to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
This was denied by PDEA officials.
“Those are speculations,” Lovitos said, stressing that what happened was a “planned operation.”
PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva echoed the statement, saying Tupas was not among the operatives’ targets.
“According mismo kay Jefry, nag-attend siya ng private beach party, but eventually, umalis sila ng boyfriend niya before naikasa ang buy-bust operation. So in short, hindi siya kasama sa mga hinuli,” Villanueva told state media.
[Translation: According to Jefry, they attended a beach party, but eventually left before the buy-bust operation. So in short, Tupas was not among those arrested.]
RELATED: Sara Duterte fires Davao City official amid drug raid mess
On the same day, lawmakers from the House of Representatives called for a probe on the drug raid. House Resolution No. 2342 filed by the Makabayan bloc likewise sought to look into the alleged “cover-up” of authorities.
“These allegations related to this recent drug raid operations conducted in Davao de Oro is emblematic of the failed bloody anti-illegal drug campaign of the Duterte administration. The administration’s anti-drug campaign reeks of double standard or of selective justice,” read the document.
