Gang boss linked to loss of Pimentel’s van

MANILA, Philippines -  The alleged leader of a carjacking group, arrested Wednesday after attending a hearing for a car theft case, has been tagged in the taking of a van owned by former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. last year, a police official said yesterday.

Joemel Salvatierra was identified by Pimentel’s driver as one of the men who took the senator’s Toyota Super Grandia from him at gunpoint in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City on Jan. 29, 2012, Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, deputy director for administration of the Quezon City Police District, said.

Pagdilao said the suspects later abandoned Pimentel’s vehicle.

According to Pagdilao, Salvatierra was also tagged in another carjacking that occurred on Feb. 22, 2012. A Hyundai Tucson was stolen during that incident that happened in Tandang Sora.