Gang Leader Arrested in Joint Police Operation | A suspected gang leader linked to a series of robbery incidents, including a recent hold-up in Calumpit, Bulacan, was arrested during a joint manhunt operation in Taytay, Rizal. Authorities also recovered firearms, jewelry, gadgets, fake IDs, and cash during the operation. According to Police Brigadier General Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3, the successful arrest highlights the strength of intelligence-driven policing and strong coordination among law enforcement units in Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A suspected gang leader facing multiple criminal charges was arrested in a coordinated police manhunt operation on March 24, 2026, authorities reported.
The 29-year-old suspect was apprehended around 12:50 p.m. in Sitio Sapang Putol, Barangay San Juan, Taytay, Rizal through the joint efforts of several police units including the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office Tracker Team, Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Calumpit Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division 3, Regional Special Operations Group 3, Regional Intelligence Unit 3, Taytay Municipal Police Station, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Rizal Police Provincial Office.
According to Police Colonel Angel A. Garcillano, Provincial Director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, the arrest was carried out by virtue of several warrants issued by Regional Trial Courts in Rizal for violations of Republic Act No. 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Law, robbery with force upon things, and theft under Republic Act No. 10951, with a combined recommended bail amounting to Php430,000.
Police records identified the suspect as the alleged leader of the “Rasonabe Criminal Gang,” which has been linked to a series of robbery incidents in the towns of Bocaue, Bulacan, Calumpit, Bulacan, Bustos, Bulacan, and Balagtas, Bulacan, as well as in several areas of Rizal province. Authorities are also looking into his possible involvement in a recent robbery-holdup case in Calumpit that remains under investigation.
Seized from the suspect during the operation were 14 assorted gold and silver jewelry items believed to belong to the victim, a Glock 17 9mm pistol with one magazine and 14 live rounds of ammunition, four iPhone mobile phones, a Samsung S7 tablet, four fake identification cards, and cash amounting to Php187,000.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect has an existing warrant of arrest and had been placed under the watchlist of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Rizal Police Provincial Office.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Calumpit Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. Authorities are preparing additional charges for robbery and violation of Republic Act No. 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which will be filed before the appropriate prosecutor’s office.
Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 3, commended the operating units for the successful arrest, highlighting the importance of intelligence-driven operations and strong inter-unit coordination.
“This arrest underscores the strength of our coordination and intelligence-driven operations. We will continue to relentlessly pursue wanted persons and criminal groups in line with the PNP Focused Agenda. This sends a clear message that there is no safe haven for lawbreakers. In PRO3, we remain committed to delivering police service that is mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman,” Mendez said. (Jason de Asis)