The Eastern Police District (EPD) reported on Thursday, Dec. 5, the successful arrest of the leader of the notorious San Buenaventura criminal group involved in illegal drugs, robberies, and theft in Pasig City and other parts of Metro Manila.
Police identified the leader of the group as Pol John "PJ" San Buenaventura. His cohort, Ronny Calayo, was also arrested.
Based on the police report, the two were arrested in a joint buy-bust operation by the Pasig City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Pasig City Police Station Intelligence Section, and Sub Station 8 on Buli Creek Villacruzes in Barangay Manggahan.
Police recovered P163,200 worth of shabu from the suspects.
PJ and Ronny were detained at the Pasig CPS custodial facility while the confiscated illegal drugs were brought to the EPD Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.
The EPD said PJ was previously arrested in 2022 for violation of PD 1602 (Prescribing stiffer penalties on Illegal Gambling). Two other members of his group were also nabbed for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Theft.
EPD OIC Col. Villamor Tuliao commended the Pasig City Police for PJ's arrest and lauded their dedication in fighting criminals.
“We give warning to those individuals and criminals that they will not succeed and we will not stop until justice will be served to their victims as they will face the consequences of their wrongdoings in accordance with the law," Tuliao said.
“It is our mandate to safeguard our community and the arrest of the members of the criminal group is a huge accomplishment we put to record. Utilization of tech-based policing system and cyber patrolling is highly recognized for its viral role for this success. We ensure to elevate our law enforcement operations in this battle we face and we stand firm to fight with dignity," he added.