MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN): Philippine's Pasig City police on early Saturday morning arrested the alleged leader of a criminal group after shooting it out with responding policemen.
Abdulfahad Dirampa Malik, 35, alias “Rex Fajad,” and three others were said to be acting suspiciously near a local cafe in Barangay Pinagbuhatan when one Substation 5 personnel and two Barangay Safety Force officers on patrol approached them at around 12:35 a.m. on Nov. 2.
Malik then pulled his firearm and opened fire at an officer, according to the spot report. The officer shot back in defense, hitting the suspect at his lower back.
Pasig police said Malik was brought to the city’s general hospital to treat wounds sustained during the exchange of gunfire.
They also recovered from the suspect a .38-caliber revolver and two motorcycles at the scene, submitting them to the Philippine National Police Forensic Group for examination.
Complaints against Malik for attempted murder and violation of the Firearms Act were being readied before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office, police said.
Authorities added that follow-up operations were ongoing to locate the remaining suspects who fled the scene.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Malik was the subject of a search warrant issued on September 5, 2016, during which nine heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu (crystal meth) were seized.
NCRPO added that Malik was implicated in a 2021 case for illegal sale, possession and manufacture of dangerous drugs; a 2022 case for forcible abduction; and a 2023 case for carnapping.
He was classified as a high-value individual, known for criminal activities in Pasig, nearby cities and Mindanao; and remained at large until the armed encounter early morning this Saturday, the regional police further said.
“This arrest of a notorious criminal leader shows our unwavering commitment to keeping Metro Manila secure,” NCRPO Acting Director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said in a statement.
He added, “We are implementing robust measures to counter criminal activities, enforcing firearms laws under Republic Act 10591, especially as we prepare for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.” - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
