The Davao-based Traffic Management Group has turned over to the TMG’s Camp Crame office a total of nine motor vehicles that were stolen in Metro Manila but recovered in the province.
TMG director Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad said the nine high-end vehicles – a Toyota Fortuner, a Toyota Hi Lux pick-up, a Mitsubishi Pajero, a Hyundai van, an Isuzu Crosswind, and four Mitsubishi Adventures – were recovered from their new owners, who were not aware that their cars were the subjects of a nationwide alarm.
Palad said the vehicles had fake documents while some have tampered chassis and engine numbers.
“This is part of the 53 wanted motor vehicles we have recovered in Visayas and Mindanao areas within just two months. We discovered the latest modus operandi of syndicates falsifying documents of these vehicles before selling it,” he said.
Palad said they are also investigating persons in government agencies who connive with the syndicates to be able to secure registration documents for the stolen vehicles.
He said buyers should be suspicious when the price of the car being offered is almost half its real value. He urged them to check the vehicle with the nearest TMG motor vehicle clearance station. – Cecille Suerte Felipe