PRO-7 chief orders probe of cop in alleged carnapping

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office (PRO) – 7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. wants a thorough investigation concerning PO2 Arvin Hernandez, who was alleged to be member of a local carnapping syndicate after he tried to sell a stolen vehicle to a senior police officer on Wednesday. 

 Garbo said that he first received reports of the incident from his deputy for operations, Sr. Supt. Louie Oppus through text message which prompted him to order, Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, Chief of the Regional Intelligence Division, to investigate the incident.  

Amid allegations against Hernandez, Garbo said he should be given the chance to explain by submitting his statement to Lawas for proper investigation.

“I have directed Lawas to tell the real story. We know the facts, but facts might not be the real story,” Garbo said.

He further assured that Hernandez, who was already ordered to be “on-hold” from his official police functions as an intelligence officer, will not be denied due process, but will instead be given enough time to prepare his statements. 

But Garbo said that if the PRO-7 investigation shows enough basis of his involvement in such illicit activities, Hernandez will surely be sanctioned.

“If there will be an indication of a bit of involvement, I will immediately cause his relief,” he said. 

He said that policemen who are involved in any form of illicit activities should not be condoned. Instead, he asked the public to help them “discipline the police.”

“Napaka-hirap talaga, which is why, the focus of my leadership, is on behavior and discipline,” he said.

The director further urged his men to “just do their job, follow their mandate - to protect life and property” and to refrain from being involved in any illicit activities which can tarnish the image of the police. 

In order to fast track the investigations, Garbo also ordered Lawas to closely coordinate with the Regional Highway Patrol Group (RHPG) who is also conducting a separate investigation on the involvement of Hernandez in the case.  

On Wednesday, elements of the RHPG apprehended five suspected members of a local carnapping syndicate.

Aside from the five, Hernandez was also implicated in the group after he tried to sell the stolen vehicle.

Those who were arrested included Hernandez’s friend, Nexson Jumao-as, and his cohorts, Christian Dela Cruz, Ralph Ryan Catulong, Rey Gonzaga and Danilo Capillian who were arrested in separate police operations.

The suspects were arrested after Felix Enopia of sitio Nonoc Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, found his stolen car parked inside the Cebu City Police Office headquarters at Camp Sotero Cabahug.

Based on the investigation, Hernandez allegedly tried to sell the vehicle to Supt. Joselito Rodrigo, chief of the PNP Crime Laboratory in Central Visayas, for P25, 000.

However, Hernandez claimed did not know that he was selling a stolen vehicle, adding that he was only doing it because Jumao-as promised him a commission.

The police believed that group is a highly-organized syndicated after they were able to tamper and prepare the necessary documents for the sale of the stolen vehicle. 

The five suspects, including Hernandez were charged for violation of the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972. — (FREEMAN)