MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN): Philippine police in Pasig City early Saturday morning arrested the alleged leader of a criminal group after he shot her with responding policemen.

Abdulfahad Dirampa Malik, 35, alias “Rex Fajad,” and three others were said to be acting suspiciously near a local coffee shop in Barangay Pinagbuhatan when a Substation 5 personnel and two Barangay Security Force officers, while on patrol, they approached them around 12:35. November 2.

Malik then drew his firearm and opened fire on an officer, according to the scene report. The officer fired back in defense, striking the suspect in the lower back.

Pasig police said Malik was brought to the city’s general hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the shootout.

They also recovered a .38 caliber revolver and two motorcycles from the suspect 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 prepared before the Pasig City Prosecutor’s Office, police said.

Authorities added that pursuit operations are underway 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 bags containing suspected shabu (crystal methamphetamine) were seized.

The NCRPO added that Malik was involved in a 2021 case for illegal sale, possession and manufacture of dangerous drugs; a 2022 case of forcible abduction; and a 2023 case for carnapping.

He was classified as a high net worth individual known for criminal activities in Pasig, nearby towns and Mindanao; and remained at large until the armed encounter early Saturday, regional police also said.

“This arrest of a notorious criminal leader shows our unwavering commitment to keeping Metro Manila safe,” NCRPO Acting Director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said in a statement.

He added, “We are implementing robust measures to counter criminal activities by enforcing firearms laws in accordance with Republic Act 10591, especially as we prepare for the upcoming midterm elections in 2025.” – Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN