Car stolen from Comelec executive's niece recovered

MANILA, Philippines – A luxury vehicle stolen from a niece of Commission on Elections commissioner Elias Yusoph has been recovered in Parañaque City, police said yesterday.

Senior Police Office 4 Alberto Sangalang, head of city anti-carnapping group, told The STAR that Ali’s white Toyota Fortuner (NIR-719) was recovered along Tomas Claudio street in Barangay Baclaran.

“We received reports that the car has been abandoned there for quite some time now,” Sangalang said over the phone.

According to PO2 Ameloden Ampuan and PO2 Ericson Balte, the car was intact except for the missing stereo and side mirrors.

Sangalang said based on Ali’s testimony, the vehicle was stolen on Oct. 16 along P. Tuazon street in Cubao, Quezon City by five armed men, whom she later identified as members of Bundol (bump) gang. The gang is notorious for rear-ending their victims’ vehicles before robbing them.

The victims allegedly picked out the photos of alleged gang leader Allan Aristorenas and Roberto Bunzon from the rogues’ gallery. Aristorenas has been arrested in Pasay City, while Bunzon is detained at the Parañaque City police headquarters.

“Aside from the car, the suspects also carted away P2 million worth of valuables, including several cell phones,” Sangalang said, adding Ali and her husband are reportedly in the cell phone business.

Ali has yet to retrieve the vehicle from the Parañaque Ancar’s headquarters, Sangalang said.