Authorities from the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) recovered a stolen motor vehicle in Bulacan on May 3, 2026, following a police assistance operation that exposed an alleged “rent-tangay-benta” scheme involving a rented car that was not returned.
The operation was conducted in Barangay Sabang, Baliwag City, where personnel of the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT)–Bulacan assisted the vehicle’s registered owner, leading to the recovery of a 2022 Toyota Vios 1.3 XLE CV, silver metallic in color, with plate number CBE-6623.
According to police reports, the vehicle was rented out to an individual from April 14 to April 21, 2026, but was not returned after the agreed period. Follow-up information later indicated that the same unit was being offered for rent again through another individual running a car rental service in the area.
The vehicle owner, a woman from Olongapo City, Zambales, sought assistance from authorities after failing to retrieve her car, prompting verification and recovery operations.
The recovered vehicle is now under the custody of PHPT-Bulacan for further investigation and proper legal disposition.
PNP-HPG Acting Director Police Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan warned the public against fraudulent rental and resale schemes, stressing the need for stricter verification in vehicle-related transactions.
“Schemes such as ‘rent-tangay-benta’ exploit trust and gaps in verification. We strongly advise the public to exercise due diligence, verify identities, and ensure proper documentation in all vehicle transactions,” Batangan said.
The PNP-HPG urged vehicle owners and renters to coordinate with authorities when engaging in transactions and to immediately report suspicious activities involving rented or second-hand vehicles.
The HPG said it remains committed to protecting motorists and cracking down on illegal vehicle-related schemes across the country.