Cops nab suspect who allegedly works as driver to steal company cars

Authorities arrested an alleged car thief in Rosario, Cavite who seeks work as a driver to steal company cars, Mark Salazar reported Tuesday on “24 Oras.”

The CIDG Cavite Provincial Field Unit arrested the suspect who was said to be a member of the “Fabian Group,” infamous for using the company-driver ploy to steal vehicles in Cavite, Batangas, and Metro Manila.

The arrested suspect was also the fourth most wanted person in Cavite, according to a Philippine National Police (PNP) list.

“This group posed as legitimate drivers and applied in various companies, most especially in POGOs," said CIDG Cavite Provincial Field Unit Chief Police Captain Emmanuel Rabe.

"Once hired they would execute their nefarious plans and modus and would take the vehicle without the knowledge and consent of the company.”

The police said four other identified gang members had arrest warrants issued against them. These suspects were targeted in follow up operations.

“Base nga po sa impormasyon natin na itong grupo na ito ay nago-operate dito sa aming area, nagkalap na po kami ng mga impormasyon para matunton itong mga grupo na ito,” Rabe said.

(Based on our information, this group is operating in our area, we have gathered information to trace this group.)

“Ito pong isang ito ay taga-rito sa Barangay Dos ng Wawa, Rosario, Cavite,” he added.

(The suspect is from Barangay Dos of Wawa, Rosario, Cavite.)

The suspect, though arrested, was allowed to post the P300,000 bail.

Authorities advised the public to be careful in hiring drivers.

“Ine-encourage po natin ang ating mga kababayan lalo na po ang mga employers na naghi-hire ng mga drivers na mag-background check sila with their applicants and [ask] the help of the PNP. Ang police po ay may e-system na could verify and check the record of individuals kung may... existing warrant of arrest,” Rabe said.

(We encourage the public, especially employers who hire drivers to do a background check with their applicants and ask the help of the PNP. The police have an e-system that could verify and check the record of individuals if they have... an existing warrant of arrest.) — Richa Allyssa Noriega/DVM, GMA Integrated News