A synchronized, nationwide crackdown by the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Thursday, June 18, resulted in the arrest of four wanted individuals and the recovery of multiple motor vehicles tied to theft and fraudulent financing schemes.
The single-day sweep spanned across La Union, Bulacan, Cavite, Marinduque, and Cebu, highlighting the agency’s intensified anti-criminality, anti-carnapping, and traffic law enforcement initiatives.
In Bulacan, personnel from the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) intercepted a Ford Ranger pickup truck along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Tabang, Plaridel. Initially flagged down for a seatbelt violation, the driver failed to present proof of ownership. Subsequent investigations revealed the vehicle was encumbered by a financing institution and was allegedly part of an illicit “Talon Casa Sangla” (unauthorized pawning/assume balance) scheme.
Meanwhile, in Cavite, operatives under Regional Highway Patrol Unit 4A (RHPU4A) launched an entrapment operation in General Trias City. The sting led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a stolen motorcycle. The suspect now faces charges for violating Republic Act No. 10883 (The New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016) and Presidential Decree No. 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law). In a separate operation in Dasmariñas City, PHPT Cavite served a warrant issued by the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) of Tagaytay City, arresting an individual wanted for theft.
Alongside vehicle recoveries, intelligence-driven manhunts cleared several other fugitives from the streets. In Agoo, La Union, RHPU1 personnel arrested an Other Common Wanted Person on a warrant from the Regional Trial Court, Branch 31, for violations of Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act). Bail was recommended at Php80,000.00.
In the Visayas, PHPT Cebu South apprehended a suspect in Minglanilla wanted for theft under Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code, with a recommended bail of Php10,000.00.
The HPG’s strict enforcement of traffic laws was also felt in Gasan, Marinduque. Personnel from RHPU4B flagged down a Mitsukoshi motorcycle on the National Highway in Barangay Bahi after observing that the driver was without a safety helmet. The operation, enforcing Republic Act No. 4136 and Presidential Decree No. 96, resulted in the motorcycle’s impoundment when the driver failed to present a valid driver’s license.
Police officials confirmed that all arrested individuals were apprised of their constitutional rights and processed in accordance with standard legal procedures.
PNP-HPG Director Police Brigadier General Rommel S. Batangan commended the operating units across all regions for their vigilance.
“These accomplishments demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the Highway Patrol Group in pursuing wanted persons and combating motor vehicle-related crimes,” Batangan stated.
Addressing the recovery of the fraudulently obtained pickup truck, he added: “These accomplishments underscore our continuing efforts to prevent the proliferation of fraudulent motor vehicle schemes and ensure compliance with traffic laws. We urge the public to exercise due diligence before acquiring vehicles through assumption, pawn, or similar arrangements and to immediately coordinate with authorities whenever doubts arise regarding a vehicle’s legal status.”
The PNP-HPG reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible vehicle ownership and securing communities, echoing the national police force’s mandate: Sa Bagong PNP, Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.