CALUMPIT, Bulacan — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced the arrest of a 29-year-old Filipino male identified as the alleged leader of the notorious “Rasonabe Criminal Gang,” during a joint manhunt operation in Sitio Sapang Putol, Barangay San Juan, Taytay, Rizal.

The operation was carried out at about 12:50 PM through the combined efforts of the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit Tracker Team, Bulacan 1st PMFC, Calumpit Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division 3, Regional Special Operations Group 3, Regional Intelligence Unit 3, Taytay Municipal Police Station, and Rizal Provincial Intelligence Unit.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by virtue of multiple warrants of arrest issued by Rizal courts for violations of the Anti-Carnapping Law, robbery, and theft, with bail set at a total of ₱430,000.00.

Police said the suspect is believed to be the leader of a criminal group responsible for a series of robbery incidents in Bocaue, Calumpit, Bustos, and Balagtas in Bulacan, as well as parts of Rizal. Investigators are also probing his possible involvement in a recent hold-up incident in Calumpit.

Confiscated during the arrest were ₱187,000.00 in cash, a firearm, and several items suspected to be linked to his illegal activities.

The suspect, who is listed in the intelligence watchlist in Rizal, is now under custody at the Calumpit Municipal Police Station. He faces additional charges, including violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. praised the coordinated effort of the police units involved, emphasizing the importance of the PNP Focused Agenda in strengthening police service delivery. “We will continue to run after leaders of criminal groups who sow fear and disrupt peace in our communities, ensuring that they are brought before the law,” he said.

He further stressed, “Hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi napapanagot ang mga sangkot sa krimen. Sisiguraduhin naming mararamdaman ng publiko ang presensya ng batas sa bawat sulok ng ating bansa.”

The arrest underscores the PNP’s intensified campaign against organized criminal groups under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reinforcing its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”

Image from Police Regional Office 3