The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) recovered six motor vehicles in a series of coordinated anti-carnapping operations across Pampanga, Cebu, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan.
Authorities said the operations targeted vehicles linked to suspected fraudulent financing schemes, including “assumed balance” arrangements, unpaid obligations, and questionable documentation.
In Angeles City, Pampanga, a 2023 Geely Okavango was recovered in Barangay Balibago after personnel flagged it for an improvised license plate. Verification showed the vehicle had over ₱1 million in unpaid balance with a financing company. The driver surrendered the unit after confirming its default status, with initial findings pointing to irregular payment arrangements.
In Cebu, HPG personnel in Balamban recovered a motorcycle with sidecar after a complaint was filed over failure to return the unit and remit boundary payments. The vehicle was later found abandoned near the suspect’s residence, while the driver remains under investigation.
In Nueva Ecija, a 2024 Nissan Navara was flagged along Maharlika Highway in Talavera for lacking a proper plate. Authorities later found it had an existing loan obligation and was possibly linked to a “Talon-Casa” scheme. The possessor turned over the vehicle after verification.
In Bulacan, three vehicles were recovered in separate operations. In Baliwag, a 2024 Toyota Hilux was flagged for a seatbelt violation before checks showed it was under a default financing agreement and part of an assumed balance transaction. Another vehicle, a 2024 Toyota Vios, was also flagged for a seatbelt violation and later found to have an expired registration, no valid driver’s license, and outstanding financial obligations.
In Pulilan, a Yamaha Mio motorcycle was intercepted for obstruction. Authorities said the driver presented documents later found to be spurious and not compliant with Land Transportation Office (LTO) standards, prompting the surrender of the unit.
All recovered vehicles are now under the custody of PNP-HPG units for further investigation and proper disposition.
PNP-HPG Acting Director Rommel Batangan said the operations reflect intensified efforts against evolving vehicle-related crimes, particularly those involving fraudulent financing and falsified documents.
“These recoveries highlight the evolving tactics used in motor vehicle-related crimes. We urge the public to exercise due diligence and coordinate directly with legitimate financing institutions before entering into any transaction,” Batangan said.
The PNP-HPG also reminded the public to verify vehicle documents and report suspicious transactions, as it vowed to sustain its nationwide drive against carnapping and related offenses.