Massive anti-car theft drive launched

In close coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Traffic Management Group (TMG), the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will set up checkpoints around Metro Manila to effectively thwart the activities of car theft syndicates.

Metro polce chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco said that the checkpoints will be placed randomly in strategic areas around the metropolis, wherein all types of vehicles with plate numbers not matching the models of the cars will be accosted and duly inspected by police operatives.

He pointed out that the massive campaign against carnapping is in line with the directive of President Arroyo of a total war against all forms of criminality.

"Almost all high-profile crimes like bank robberies and kidnappings are committed by criminals using stolen vehicles. We anticipate that, through these checkpoints, we can prevent these crimes," Velasco said.

He further stressed that, "One solved carnapping case means a dozen other crimes solved."

The NCRPO director urged motorists to cooperate with the effort by always bringing with them their official receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR) for immediate verification of the ownership of their vehicles.

He apologized for the inconvenience that the exercise may bring the public but emphasized that the checkpoints will ultimately benefit all Metro Manilans.

Simultaneous with the launching of the NCRPO’s latest massive campaign against carnapping, the Central Police District (CPD) announced the arrest of a notorious robber/ carnapper operating in Quezon City and nearby cities as well as the recovery of 11 stolen motorcycles from his possession.

In his report to the NCRPO director, CPD director Chief Supt. Napoleon Castro identified the suspect as Trifon Robenta, alias "Comfort," 27, of Phase II, Purok 7, Malanday, Marikina City. The suspect is notorious for preying on Indian nationals engaged in small-time cash loans.

General Castro said that the apprehension of the suspect followed a tip-off from a Magic Eye volunteer regarding the sighting of Robenta along J.P. Rizal Street, Malanday, Marikina City at around 5 p.m. on June 25. Police operatives of the CPD’s Anti-Carnapping Unit, dispatched to the site, accosted Robenta who was then riding a black Honda Wave motorcycle and took him into custody after he failed to present the necessary documents proving ownership of the vehicle.

Subsequently, during investigation, the suspect admitted to perpetrating several robberies on Indian nationals, whose motorcycles he stole, in different areas in Quezon City and nearby cities and municipalities and identified an alias "Erick Negro" as his cohort.

Follow-up operations resulted to the recovery of four Honda Dream motorcycle units, three Honda Wave motorcycle units, a Kawasaki Samurai motorcycle, and a Lifan motorcycle.

Charges of robbery/ holdup and carnapping have been filed against the suspect before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office while the recovered vehicles were turned over to the LTO for proper disposition.