Trader caught driving stolen SUV

Manila, Philippines - A trader was arrested in Quezon City Thursday for allegedly driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) stolen from a former Ilocos Sur councilor in Manila 10 days ago, an official of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) said yesterday.

Police said Manchester Uy was caught in Barangay Bagbaguin driving the black Toyota Fortuner carjacked from former councilor James Raguindin.

HPG director Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the vehicle was allegedly stolen by Uy from Raguindin and his wife Carmen last April 18 along P. Florentino street in Sampaloc, Manila.

Raguindin told Espinas they were cruising along when Uy’s Toyota Lite Ace (TRP-711) suddenly rear-ended their vehicle.

“When they alighted to check the damage, the suspect at gunpoint commandeered their vehicle and left the Lite Ace van, which turned out to be also stolen,” Espina added.

The couple sought the HPG assistance and an informant located the vehicle and the suspect. Uy denied the charges but the couple identified him as the one who carjacked their vehicle.