The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) recovered and impounded several vehicles linked to alleged carnapping, fraudulent sales schemes, fake documents, and traffic violations during simultaneous operations conducted across the country on May 8.
Authorities said the intensified anti-carnapping drive targeted stolen vehicles, locally alarmed units, and vehicles involved in questionable transactions such as “pasalo-benta,” “labas-casa-benta,” and failed-to-return schemes.
In Daet, Camarines Norte, police recovered an abandoned Mitsubishi Montero Sport that had been reported stolen in Daraga, Albay after authorities launched intensified patrol operations following a flash alarm.
In Pangasinan, operatives impounded a Toyota Vios fitted with an improvised plate number and a Yamaha NMAX motorcycle for registration and modification violations during traffic and anti-carnapping enforcement activities.
Meanwhile, in Matnog, Sorsogon, a Honda Click motorcycle allegedly transported through Matnog Port toward the Visayas was tracked down using GPS technology in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard.
Authorities in Camarines Sur also recovered a Suzuki XL7 allegedly linked to a “pasalo-benta” scheme after the possessor voluntarily surrendered the vehicle upon discovering irregularities in its registration documents.
A businessman in Nueva Ecija similarly turned over a Toyota Vios after learning that the vehicle he purchased was allegedly tied to unlawful activities.
In Pampanga, an MG SUV was voluntarily surrendered after verification showed that the certificate of registration presented for ownership transfer was allegedly fake.
Police in Bulacan also recovered a Toyota Fortuner reportedly involved in a “labas-casa-benta” scheme after investigators found irregularities in the vehicle’s financing records and documents.
Checkpoint operations along the Sarangani-Davao boundary also led to the recovery of a locally alarmed Toyota Conquest pick-up tagged under a failed-to-return status.
All recovered and impounded vehicles are currently under the custody of Highway Patrol units for further investigation, verification, and documentation.
PNP-HPG acting director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said the operations highlight the agency’s continuing efforts to curb motor vehicle-related crimes and protect the public from fraudulent transactions.
He also urged motorists and buyers to carefully verify vehicle ownership records, financing status, and registration documents before entering into any transaction to avoid falling victim to scams.