Pasig police arrests the alleged leader of a criminal group and one of its members in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Manggahan on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 3, 2024. (Photo from the Eastern Police District)
MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Police personnel arrested the alleged leader of a criminal group and one of its cohorts in an anti-drug operation, the Eastern Police District (EPD) announced on Wednesday.
The Pasig police’s Drug Enforcement Unit, Intelligence Section and the corresponding sub-station jointly executed a buy-bust operation along Buli Creek near Villacruzes and Napico in Barangay Manggahan at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Officers apprehended two suspects: Ronny Calayo, whom police referred to as a member of the criminal group; and Pol John San Buenaventura, whom authorities pinned as the ring leader.
During the arrest, police confiscated 24 grams of shabu (crystal meth) valued at P163,200.
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The group was involved in illegal drug operations, robberies and thefts, and other crimes in Pasig City and nearby areas, EPD said in its report.
District police said intelligence from the prior arrest of the crime group’s two other members led the authorities to pinpoint an opportunity to apprehend the suspects.
The two members were identified as “Rogel,” who was arrested for theft in October 2019 and September 2023; and “Joven Calayo,” who was arrested in August 2024 also for illegal gambling as well as violating the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The drugs seized during the arrest were turned over to the EPD Forensic Unit for laboratory examination in Barangay Mauway, Mandaluyong City.
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Meanwhile, San Buenaventura and Calayo were detained at the Pasig police’s custodial facilities, as they await complaints for violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
“We gave warning to those individuals and criminals that they will not succeed and we will not stop until justice will be served to the victims as they will face the consequence of their wrongdoings in accordance with the law,” EPD officer-in-charge Col. Villamor Tuliao remarked.