By JEFFREY DAMICOG
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified yesterday that their operation in a Rizal farm, which resulted in the seizure of several high-powered firearms and explosives last Tuesday, has nothing to do with the “Red October ouster plot” against President Duterte.
“Actually our investigation has nothing to do with that,” NBI Deputy Director for Investigation Vicente de Guzman said during a press conference in Manila regarding the operation.
Despite this, De Guzman has assured that the NBI would still look into its possible link to the Red October plot which is allegedly being hatched by communist rebels and members of the opposition.
The NBI official explained that operation in Rizal stemmed from the complaint of a businessman regarding death threats against him and his family.
As a result, De Guzman, who declined to identify the complainant for his protection, said the NBI’s Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU), accompanied by elements of the Philippine Army, arrested the six suspects in a farm in Teresa, Rizal.
The lawmen were armed with a search warrant issued by a Manila court.
The NBI identified the arrested suspects as Chinese businesswoman Lily Ong, one of the associates of the complainant; Brandy Solinap, Victor dela Cruz, Bi-Eian Ke, Diosdado Bohol, and Ke Quiao Li.
They were arrested after the raiders found in the area several high-powered firearms, explosives, and ammunition.
None of the suspects were able to present any license or authority to possess firearms and explosives.
The suspects have been presented for inquest for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Act) and 9165 (Laws on Illegal Possession Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunitions or Explosives).
SAU Chief Emeterio Dongallo Jr. recounted that the complainant sought help from the NBI last week.
“A private complainant approached us in our office complaining that a certain group is planning to assassinate him together with his family,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ong admitted that there is a dispute happening among the management of the farm but denied owning the firearms and explosives.
De Guzman also clarified that the NBI sought the assistance of the Philippine Army in conducting the operation due to the presence of communist rebels in Teresa, Rizal.
