Cops probe car shops in Valenzuela for fencing

MANILA, Philippines - Police are investigating five car shops in Valenzuela City for allegedly purchasing stolen vehicle parts from suspected motorcycle thieves, an official said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Eric Armamento, city police chief, said the car shops could be held liable for violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the anti-fencing Law, which prohibits the trade or purchase of stolen items.

“They are one of the reasons why the (car theft) industry thrives. There is a market because of them,” he said.

Armamento declined to identify the shops to avoid jeopardizing their investigation, but said these stores are allegedly regular customers of alleged motorcycle thieves Francisco Valeroso, 18; and Ray Rigor Reyes, 28.

The two men told police they have been stealing motorcycles for the past two years, until they were arrested on May 28, he said.

They post an online advertisement to sell the motorcycle, then steal it once they have a prospective buyer.

“If the deal falls through, they will chop up the unit and sell its parts to mechanics,” Armamento said.