The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) arrested a suspected carnapping offender and recovered a stolen motorcycle during a checkpoint operation in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Police said personnel of SOT Buug were conducting a routine checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion at around 6:45 pm on May 17 when they flagged down a Honda XRM motorcycle after its driver was seen without a helmet.
During verification, authorities found that the blue Honda XRM matched a motorcycle earlier reported stolen to the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Highway Patrol Team. The vehicle was allegedly taken while parked unattended on May 7.
Police identified the recovered motorcycle through its engine and chassis numbers and said it was registered to a resident of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The driver, a male resident of Mabuhay town, was arrested without a warrant for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016.
He was brought to the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Highway Patrol Team office for documentation and proper disposition, while inquest proceedings are being prepared.
The recovered motorcycle was also turned over to the same office for further investigation.
PNP-HPG Director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said the operation showed the importance of sustained checkpoint operations in recovering stolen vehicles and arresting suspects involved in motor vehicle theft.
“The PNP-HPG remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals involved in carnapping and ensuring the recovery of stolen motor vehicles through intelligence-driven and lawful police operations,” Batangan said.
Authorities urged the public to immediately report suspicious persons and activities involving stolen or undocumented vehicles to the nearest police station or HPG office.