TMG nabs car thief; 2 vehicles recovered

The Traffic Management Group (TMG) announced yesterday the arrest of a suspected car thief and the recovery of two stolen vehicles following an operation in San Pablo City, Laguna last Saturday.

TMG director Chief Superintendent Errol Pan presented suspect Roberto John Aglipay of Barangay San Rafael, San Pablo during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday.

Pan also presented a Honda CRV and a Toyota Vios, which Aglipay’s group allegedly stole.

The TMG chief said the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the stolen vehicles was conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by a Laguna court.

"Aglipay, who has been tagged in several robberies and car thefts in Southern Tagalog was arrested at his residence," Pan said.

Raiders recovered one white Honda CRV with an attached Maritime Group commemorative plate, a Toyota Vios, a 9 mm pistol, ammunitions for an M16 rifle, blue camouflage uniforms and a green bonnet, which police said was used by Aglipay’s group in their criminal activities.

Pan said the Honda CRV was allegedly stolen from a certain Roberto Ramos while Toyota Vios was forcibly taken from its one Marcos Garcia in Better Living in Parañaque City.

"Garcia positively identified Aglipay as the one who shot him and forcibly took his Vios," Pan said.

Senior Superintendent Joel Orduña, of TMG Regional Intelligence Office (Region 4), filed illegal possession of firearms and car theft charges against Aglipay, who is now detained at the San Pablo City Jail.

"We will dig deeper into Aglipay’s background and his links with criminal groups operation in Southern Tagalog," said Pan, who pointed out that at the time the Vios was taken, Aglipay had several companions, all of them armed.