The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) reported the recovery and impounding of five vehicles during a series of anti-carnapping operations conducted across several parts of the country on April 23, 2026.
Authorities said the operations, carried out in Zamboanga City, Camarines Sur, Surigao del Sur, Pangasinan, and Cotabato City, targeted vehicle-related crimes such as illegal possession, financing-related fraud, and document falsification.
In Zamboanga City, personnel from the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) recovered a locally alarmed Toyota Hilux Conquest during patrol and checkpoint operations in Barangay Pasonanca at around 9:43 a.m. The vehicle was found parked along the roadside obstructing traffic, and verification showed it had been reported by its registered owner.
In Naga City, operatives from PHPT-Camarines Sur recovered a Hyundai Reina linked to a “talon sa financing” scheme during a verification operation in Barangay San Felipe at about 11:30 a.m. The individual in possession of the vehicle admitted it had been pawned but failed to present valid documents.
In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, police recovered a Nissan Urvan at around 5:40 p.m. following a coordinated operation. The vehicle had been reported as not returned after being rented and was later traced via GPS before being found abandoned.
In Lingayen, Pangasinan, authorities flagged down a Toyota Vios in Barangay Poblacion for using an improvised license plate. Further inspection revealed irregularities in its registration documents, prompting its impoundment for verification.
In Cotabato City, members of the Special Operations Team flagged down a Nissan Almera along Sinsuat Avenue for a traffic violation. Subsequent checks showed the vehicle remained under financing, raising suspicion of a possible “labas-casa benta” scheme, leading to its impoundment.
All five vehicles are now in the custody of respective PNP-HPG units for documentation, verification, and further investigation. Authorities said appropriate charges will be filed if violations are confirmed.
Acting HPG Director Rommel Batangan said the operations highlight evolving schemes in motor vehicle-related offenses, including financing fraud, rental violations, and falsified documents.
“We urge the public to ensure all transactions are legitimate and properly documented,” Batangan said.
The PNP-HPG also reminded motorists to avoid informal deals and to report suspicious vehicle transactions or activities as part of its continuing campaign against carnapping and related crimes.