The arrested suspect (Photo from Las Piñas City Police)
A 20-year-old member of a notorious criminal group was arrested for robbery during an operation by combined teams of the Las Piñas City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) on Wednesday, March 5.
Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspect as “Ronron,” tagged as the No. 8 most wanted person at the district level. He was arrested in Barangay Talon 5.
He said Ronron was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Pia Cristina Bersamin Embuscado of the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court, Branch 198, on February 7, 2025, with a recommended bail of P100,000.
Tafalla said Ronron is a member of the VAJA criminal group, which is involved in various robbery and carnapping incidents in Las Piñas City and nearby areas. The group targeted vulnerable individuals, especially those carrying valuables.
He also said that the group conducts surveillance in an area to determine the best time and method for the attack, often looking for unattended motorcycles in parking lots or residential areas.
On Nov. 18, 2024, the group's leader, known as “Rodney,” was also arrested for robbery, police said.
Police said the suspect is now detained at the Las Piñas City Police Custodial Facility while awaiting a commitment order from the court.