PNP backs clearance system for vehicles

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome reiterated yesterday his call for the implementation of a clearance system for motor vehicles shipped from Metro Manila to Visayas and Mindanao.

Bartolome said he saw the immediate need for imposing a clearance system in ports after the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) recovered 29 motor vehicles reportedly stolen from Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila and shipped and sold in some unsuspecting buyer-victims in Visayas and Mindanao.

“In my capacity as PNP chief, I shall make representations with the PAOCC (Presidential Anti-Organize Crime Commission) to reiterate the HPG’s recommendation for the immediate implementation of a clearance system for motor vehicles that are shipped to the south via inter-island ferry service,” Bartolome said.

The HPG believed they have busted the largest carjacking syndicate in the country after identifying and filing charges against three “kingpins” and recovering 29 stolen vehicles during a nearly three-week operation.

HPG director Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the suspected kingpins in the Baktin carjacking group have been charged before the Department of Justice.

“HPG investigators have uncovered the elaborate modus operandi of the Baktin Group that involves actual carjacking in Luzon, shipment and tampering of vehicle identification numbers, processing of spurious vehicle registration documents and eventual resale of these stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers in Visayas and Mindanao,” Espina said.

Bartolome also appealed to the public to be very cautious when buying used motor vehicles. The PNP chief said carjacking syndicates are selling stolen motor vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. “Check with HPG first before putting your investment in a second-hand motor vehicle,” he said.

He said the identification and filing of charges against the alleged carjacking kingpins and recovery of 29 stolen vehicles have virtually broken the backbone of an organized syndicated crime group engaged in carjacking and trafficking in stolen motor vehicles.

Bartolome and the HPG said the latest accomplishment will lead to a significant reduction in carjacking cases in the country as the Baktin group was one of the top five carjacking syndicates in the HPG’s Order of Battle. The group is believed behind 20 percent of carjacking and car theft cases in Metro Manila.