Carnapping, estafa filed vs. couple, retired cop

The National Bureau of Investigation has filed charges of carnapping and estafa against a couple and a retired police official for allegedly selling a suspected carnapped vehicle.

Manuel and Merlita Tabada, owners of Merman Auto Sales in barangay Mabolo, and Marcelo Cabahug were indicted by the NBI for carnapping and estafa after they allegedly connived in selling a suspected stolen vehicle to Teresita Olaivar three years ago.

Olaivar, in her affidavit, said that she bought an Isuzu Crosswind, through her daughter Monica Nacua, from Merman Auto Sales in November 11, 2003 for P750,000.

Olaivar said that for three years she has been using the vehicle believing that her purchase was legal and that the papers were in order as what the Tabada couple and Cabahug assured her.

However, Olaivar said that on October 10 while they were traversing the Lapasan Highway in Cagayan de Oro City, a Traffic Management Group team led by SPO1 Edgar Bitao flagged them down.

Olaivar said the police told them that their vehicle was among those listed as carnapped. The vehicle was then brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City for examination. The laboratory results revealed that the engine and chassis numbers of the car were tampered.

Olaivar said that they immediately confronted the couple and asked them to return their money. However, the Tabada couple allegedly refused, prompting them to file charges instead.

Olaivar's daughter, Monica said in her affidavit that the Tabada couple assured them that the vehicle was free of any legal encumbrances as it was owned by Cabahug, a retired police colonel, who asked them to sell it.

Monica said that they found no reason to doubt the legality of the vehicle because aside from the fact that it was owned by Cabahug, they were given copies of the macro-etching certificate and PNP motor vehicle clearance certificate.

Monica and her mother requested the NBI to look into their complaint. After investigation the NBI found sufficient basis to indict the Tabada couple and Cabahug for estafa and carnapping.

The NBI said that it is presumed that the couple and Cabahug are the perpetrators in the carnapping as they are the same persons who profited from the proceeds of the sale of the vehicle. - Fred P. Languido/BRP