TMG chief vows ‘carnap-free’ Metro in two weeks

Traffic Management Group (TMG) director Chief Superintendent Augusto Angcanan vowed to meet a two-week deadline to make Metro Manila car theft-free.

Angcanan said measures have been set up to prevent car thieves from striking in the metropolis as ordered by Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, concurrent chief of the National Anti-Crime Task Force (NACTAF).

"When we have an objective we usually set a time frame. I have relayed Secretary Reyes’ order to all members of the TMG and they have given their commitment to meet the objective. TMG operatives are now working double time," Angcanan told The STAR in an interview.

He admitted that the TMG has limited resources in carrying out its mandate as he likened car thieves to terrorists.

"Just like terrorists, these car thieves have all the time and place to strike. We have to admit that we can’t monitor every square inch, but we are doing everything to prevent criminals from doing their illegal activities," Angcanan said.

He said the TMG has been monitoring two car theft syndicates with six members already identified.

TMG documents revealed that there are three syndicates involved in car theft and carjacking, namely: the Henzon Group with four active members; the Lagman Group with 12 members; and the Madrigal Group with five members.

All three syndicates have been operating in Metro Manila, Central Luzon (Region 3) and Southern Tagalog (Region 4).

Last Sept. 19, authorities recovered two vehicles, which were stolen last Sept. 10 and 17.

Metro Manila remains the area of choice for car thieves and carjackers because of the number of motor vehicles that are unattended in unguarded areas as well as the lack of police visibility and sheer number of vehicles on the road at any given time. – Cecille Suerte Felipe