Cops identify Manila's car theft king

MANILA, Philippines - Manila policemen are hot on trail on a man who reportedly leads a group stealing motorcycles and high-end utility vehicles in the metropolis.

Ernesto Gutierrez Jr., alias “JR Bait,” reportedly enjoys the protection of some unscrupulous policemen and high-ranking government officials and is “untouchable” in Tondo, according to Manila Police District’s anti-carnapping section head Chief Inspector Joie Yape Jr.

“JR Bait, a member of an influential religious sect, has some 20 members who are all armed,” Yape said.

Yape said that Gutierrez started with stealing expensive motorcycles, which he passed on to his policemen friends. After seeing that he always eluded arrest, his gang turned to stealing high-end utility vehicles, Yape added.

Yape released to The STAR a photo of Gutierrez to ask the public ”for information on the whereabouts of Gutierrez since there are informants who have been helping him and his gang to elude arrest.”

He also admitted that the number of stolen vehicles in Manila have gradually increased due to Gutierrez’s group.

Gutierrrez is also facing charges for the recent shooting of James Bryan Dean, alias “JB Demonyo,” who reportedly shot and killed a housewife and injured three others in a drive-by shooting in Tondo.