Dominguez car theft gang member falls

MANILA, Philippines - Joint operatives from the Caloocan City police and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Tuesday arrested a suspected member of a car theft gang in Valenzuela City.

Senior Inspector Gaylord Tamayo said that Fortunato de Jesus, 26, alias Fortune, was linked to the notorious Dominguez car theft syndicate.

De Jesus was apprehended at around 1 p.m. at his relative’s house in Barangay Karuhatan.

“We are still coordinating with the HPG to verify reports of De Jesus’ alleged link to the Dominguez group, ” Tamayo said.

Tamayo added that the suspect is facing charges of carjacking and frustrated murder before the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 128 filed by car dealer Emma Carpio.

Police said that sometime in January, De Jesus allegedly carjacked Carpio’s car and stabbed her several times.

Tamayo said he coordinated with Chief Inspector Nestor Cusi of the HPG after receiving reports that De Jesus was seen at his kin’s house on Fe street, Barangay Karuhatan.