PNP colonel in ‘rent-tangay’ scheme charged

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges were filed yesterday against a police colonel who allegedly orchestrated the illegal sale of a multi-purpose vehicle in a “rent-tangay” scheme in Parañaque.

Complaints for violating Republic Act 10883 or the anti-car theft law as well as falsification and use of fake documents under the Revised Penal Code were filed against Lt. Col. Gideon Ines Jr. by the police Highway Patrol Group.

The HPG also charged Ines’ two civilian cohorts, Michael Bautista and Evelyn Tuazon.

Philippine National Police (PNP) public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said Ines, 52, and the other suspects remain in the custody of the HPG’s special operations division.

Ines is also facing administrative complaints for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, which is punishable by dismissal from the service.

According to Fajardo, Ines is assigned with the National Capital Region Police Office and is on schooling.

Citing an investigation of the HPG, Fajardo said Ines allegedly masterminded the sale of a Mitsubishi Xpander, which was rented by the policeman’s accomplices from the vehicle’s owner.

“He gave the instruction to his two cohorts,” Fajardo told reporters.

It is not the first time that Ines was implicated in nefarious activities as he was also a respondent in carjacking and estafa cases filed before a Pasig court, according to Fajardo.

She said the cases were dismissed due to the non-appearance of the complainant.

After Ines’ arrest was made public over the weekend, Fajardo said the complainant has expressed intention to refile the cases.

Fajardo said the PNP would not hesitate to kick out Ines and other police scalawags for ruining the image of the police force.