Police have recovered a stolen vehicle from a house in Baguio City following a tip from the public.

The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) said the vehicle was reportedly stolen in October and was brought to the homeowner’s garage for repainting.

“Binasag ang windshield ng kanyang sasakyan… binaklas ang ignition cap, jump – nagtap ng linya para mapa start,” PLT. Nadame Malang, HPG spokesperson, said.

“Nakaparada sa gilid ng kalsada, ng highway… Sinira [nila] ang lock ng bintana,” the victim said.

The vehicle, light brown formerly, was now painted white. The engine and chassis number remain unchanged, and the owner identified other markers proving it was their stolen car.

“Makita namin na dine-defaced na, o binabago na ang anyo ng sasakyan, at during our macro etching, napatunayan namin na ‘yun ang hinahanap natin,” Malang added.

Police also arrested the homeowner, who denied knowing the car was stolen.

“Ang nabanggit ng suspek, nakuha lang niya sa ibang tao, pero hindi naniniwala ang inyong HPG,” Malang said.

The HPG warned the vehicle could be used in other crimes.

“Maraming anggulo ang tinitingnan ng inyong HPG, una… gagamitin sa iba pang krimen,” he said.

The victim was thankful to the police.

“Ginagamit din namin kahit sa emergency ['yung kotse], kasi 'yung ibang kapitbahay, nakikisakay, ganoon. Pang-sundo sa mga bata sa paaralan. Nagpapasalamat ako sa grupo ng HPG sa sobrang effort nila,” they said.