Alleged BIFF member nabbed in QC for illegal explosives, firearms

QCPD arrested a suspected member of BIFF for illegal possession of firearms and explosives in Barangay Fairview. /QCPD PIO

MANILA, Philippines — Police arrested an alleged member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) for illegal possession of explosives and firearms in Quezon City early morning Wednesday.

A report from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Thursday identified the suspect as Datu Omar Palty, alias Allan Palte, 26. Police said Palty is a vendor from Barangay Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City.

The arrest came after an undercover policeman of QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) bought a caliber .45 pistol with four ammunition from Palty along Barangay North Fairview at 1 a.m.

In a press briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said Palty also switched allegiance to terrorist group Dauah Islamiyah.

Gamboa said intel reports pointed out that Palty was designated as the Metro Manila “point man” by Daulah Islamiya leader Esmael Adbulmalik to coordinate with other terrorist group operatives in Sulu and Basilan.

Citing intel records, Gamboa said Palty was involved in the attack of a military camp in Midsayap, North Cotabato in 2009.

Palty was also involved in the murder of a couple and a security guard in San Simon, Pampanga in 2015.

Seized from Palty was a fragmentation hand grenade and P10,000 worth of marked money.

Palty is now under custody of QCPD-CIDU for further investigation and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law and Illegal Possession of Explosives.

Edited by JE