The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group recovered three motor vehicles and apprehended one locally alarmed vehicle in separate anti-carnapping operations. In a statement, the PNP-HPG said its Regional Highway Patrol Units carried out the operations as part of its continuing campaign against carnapping and fraudulent motor vehicle transactions.
Personnel of PHPT-Zambales under RHPU3 recovered a Toyota Vios allegedly linked to an Assumed Balance Scheme after the vehicle was flagged down during an anti-carnapping operation along the National Highway in Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City.
In a separate operation in the same area, a Toyota Raize was also recovered and allegedly involved in the Talon Casa-Benta Scheme. The investigation showed that the possessor purchased the vehicle from the registered owner in 2024 but allegedly never received the promised original registration documents.
In Dumaguete City, a Mitsubishi Xpander which was allegedly involved in a Rent-Tangay Scheme was recovered after the Philippine Coast Guard requested police assistance. The vehicle, reportedly rented in Bacolod City, was intercepted at Dumaguete Port while allegedly en route to Mindanao.
Meanwhile, a Suzuki Dropside was intercepted during routine police patrol in General Santos City after verification showed that the vehicle was under a local alarm, as indicated in an existing police blotter entry.
PNP-HPG Director Police BGen. Rommel Batangan commended the operating units for their vigilance and stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations and public cooperation in stopping fraudulent vehicle transactions.
The PNP-HPG urged the public to exercise due diligence when buying pre-owned motor vehicles, including verifying ownership documents and financing status before entering into any transaction. It also called on the public to immediately report suspicious motor vehicle-related activities to the nearest Highway Patrol Group office.