The Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) recovered three motor vehicles allegedly linked to failed-to-return and “pasalo-benta” schemes during separate anti-carnapping operations conducted on May 9, 2026 in Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, and Cebu.
In Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, personnel of the Pangasinan Provincial Highway Patrol Team conducted an anti-carnapping and traffic law enforcement operation along the National Highway in Barangay Palina Road at around 5:30 p.m.
Authorities flagged down a Nissan Navara Calibre pick-up due to its heavily tinted windshield and the driver’s alleged lack of authority to use the same.
The vehicle, a Galaxy Black Nissan Navara Calibre bearing Plate No. CCA 9196, was being driven by a 44-year-old businessman from San Fabian, Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, in Barangay San Jose, Milaor, Camarines Sur, at around 4:20 p.m., personnel of the Provincial Highway Patrol Team–Camarines Sur/Special Operations Team acted on verified information involving a vehicle allegedly tied to a “pasalo-benta” scheme.
Operating units recovered a Mitsubishi Xpander bearing Plate No. NDK 7280 after verifying information and interviewing its female possessor from San Fernando, Camarines Sur.
The woman told authorities she traded her Ford EcoSport and added PHP300,000 in cash in exchange for the vehicle through an agent involved in the transaction.
After learning about the circumstances surrounding the vehicle, the possessor voluntarily surrendered the unit to authorities for proper investigation and disposition.
In Mandaue City, Cebu, joint elements of the Metro Cebu Highway Patrol Team and Regional Highway Patrol Unit 7–Special Operations Team recovered a Toyota Wigo allegedly involved in a failed-to-return arrangement during an anti-carnapping operation conducted at around 9:30 p.m. in Sector 4, Barangay Pagsabungan.
Authorities identified the recovered vehicle as a black Toyota Wigo bearing Plate No. GAR 5749, reportedly registered under a leasing arrangement involving a resident of Cebu City.
All recovered vehicles are now under the custody of the concerned Highway Patrol units for documentation, investigation, and proper disposition.
PNP-HPG Acting Director Rommel S. Batangan underscored the importance of sustained anti-carnapping operations and public vigilance in vehicle transactions.
“These operations highlight the importance of proper verification, documentation, and coordination with authorities in preventing unlawful motor vehicle transactions and fraudulent schemes. We encourage the public to exercise caution and immediately report suspicious vehicle activities to law enforcement authorities,” Batangan said.
The PNP-HPG also reminded the public to thoroughly verify ownership records, financing status, and the authenticity of documents before entering into motor vehicle transactions.