Pakistani charged for selling RHD cars

CEBU, Philippines - Charges have been filed in court against the Pakistani national who was arrested for selling right-hand vehicles in Mandaue City.

Supt. Dex Drilo, chief of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), said Safeeullah “Safi” Mahar and his business partner, Gloria Montencillo, are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8506 or the law that bans the importation, registration and operation of vehicles with right-hand steering wheel was filed against Mahar and his alleged business partner, Gloria Montencillo.

Montencillo, however, remains at large.

Friday last week, RSOG personnel arrested Mahar, 33, by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Teresita Galanida of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 56 in Mandaue City.

Dumaguit said their team was able to recover four converted right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles at Mahar’s car display center, Masu Auto Surplus Corporation, in Barangay Subangdako, Mandaue City.

The seized vehicles – three red and black Honda Fits and a silver grey Nissan Cube – are estimated to worth P700,000. The confiscated RHD vehicles were already converted into left-hand drive cars.

Based on reports, the police said Mahar sells each Honda Fit for at least P120,000 and P250,000 for the Nissan Cube. The RHD vehicles were imported from Japan.

The problem is, the car display center has no permit to sell right-hand drive vehicles.

Mahar lived in Cebu for at least three years and has been operating the display center for the same span of time.

Mahar first operated the car display center in Barangay Cambaro before he transferred to Barangay Subangdako.

Mahar had refused to comment on his arrest. – (FREEMAN)