HPG reports recovery of 10,000 stolen vehicles

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Tuesday reported that it has recovered over 10,000 vehicles that were stolen, usually using what authorities call the “rentangay” scheme.

According to the HPG, that figure covers those recovered from September 1 to November 24 nationwide. The vehicles have reportedly been returned to their owners.

The operation is under the Balik Sasakyan Program of the PNP-HPG, wherein it has returned around 2,000 vehicles and 8,746 motorcycles.

“Rentangay tapos yung isa Pay to Return. Parang ganun na rin (most of the returned vehicles came from the rentangay and pay-to-return modus, which are essentially the same),”  PNP-HPG chief Police Colonel Hansel Marantan told reporters.

Marantan said that recovery of stolen vehicles usually starts with flagging down the vehicles for traffic law violations by the Land Transportation Office operatives.

“When we went deeper into questioning the document, [they] cannot present proof of ownership, and then we go even deeper into the investigation. It turns out hindi naman sa kanila (they do not own the vehicles),” he said.

The “rentangay” modus is a scheme where the car thief leases a vehicle-for-rent unit but will not return it.

In the same period, the HPG reported that it has arrested 277 persons and recovered 12 firearms linked to various criminal activities, according to an HPG statement.

It has also impounded 2,738 motor vehicles and 10,928 motorcycles for violations of traffic laws.

HPG said it has seized at least 45 sirens, 980 blinkers, and 8 mufflers, which are subject to destruction.

“Their destruction aims to reinforce lawful road safety practices, prevent the misuse of emergency equipment, and support the integrity of legitimate police operations,” HPG said in the statement.

Marantan also said PNP-HPG is targeting vendors of illegal sirens, blinkers, and mufflers, who could be penalized if found guilty.

According to Presidential Decree No. 96, those caught with illegal sirens, blinkers, and mufflers may face imprisonment for six months and/or a fine of P600.

“In addition, the certificate of registration of the motor vehicle on which the unauthorized gadget or device herein mentioned is installed, mounted or used shall be cancelled or revoked,” PD No. 96 stated.—MCG, GMA Integrated News