The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) recovered three vehicles allegedly linked to fraudulent motor vehicle schemes, including “talon-casa” and “rent-tangay-sangla,” in separate operations conducted in Muntinlupa City, Pampanga, and Zambales.
Authorities said the operations formed part of intensified efforts to curb vehicle-related fraud and illegal transactions involving falsified documents and illegally transferred units.
In Muntinlupa City, personnel at the Motor Vehicle Clearance Satellite Station inside the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Compound in Barangay Tunasan received a voluntarily surrendered Toyota Vios E with plate number NDU 4745 after its possessor applied for HPG clearance for transfer of ownership.
During verification, the applicant presented a supposed certificate of registration, deed of sale, and identification cards. The vehicle was later referred to the HPG Special Operations Division for further investigation and proper disposition.
In a separate incident in Angeles City, Pampanga, a 37-year-old businessman surrendered a silver Toyota Vios sedan bearing plate number NFR-3499 to authorities after learning that the vehicle had allegedly been pawned to him using suspected fake original receipt and certificate of registration documents.
The businessman reportedly discovered the issue after the individual who allegedly pawned the vehicle was arrested earlier this month by HPG personnel in Pampanga. The recovered unit remains under police custody pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Olongapo City, anti-carnapping operatives from Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT)-Zambales flagged down a grayish-blue 2023 Toyota Vios with plate number CCB3223 along the national highway in Barangay Barretto for traffic violations, including failure to wear a seatbelt and failure to present a driver’s license and vehicle documents.
The vehicle was temporarily impounded for verification and further investigation.
PNP-HPG Director Police Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said the group continues to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and tighten verification procedures to combat fraudulent vehicle schemes.
“The PNP-HPG remains relentless in combating talon-casa, rent-tangay-sangla, and other fraudulent schemes involving motor vehicles through sustained intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with partner agencies and financing institutions,” Batangan said.
The HPG also reminded the public to exercise caution in vehicle transactions and verify ownership records and supporting documents through authorized government agencies before purchasing, pawning, or accepting vehicles.