AGGRESSIVE anti-carnapping efforts by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) since January have resulted in the recovery of over 200 stolen motor vehicles, the unit reported to PNP chief, General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
PNP-HPG director Brigadier Gen. Hansel Marantan said they have intensified their efforts to keep roads safe, orderly and free from criminal activities following orders from the PNP chief and as a result have delivered measurable results and reinforced public confidence on the road.
Brig. Gen. Marantan reminded the public to exercise due diligence in vehicle transactions and verify ownership and financial status before buying any motor vehicle.
From January 1 to 31, 2026, the PNP-HPG conducted 12,675 police operations, including 5,907 joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.
The anti-carnapping operations led to the recovery of 113 motor vehicles and 38 motorcycles.
A total of 34 individuals involved in carnapping were also arrested in separate operations and 25 criminal cases were filed in court last month.
Since February, the PNP-HPG also seized stolen motor vehicles involved in ‘Talon-Casa,’ ‘Sangla-Benta’ and other related schemes.
These vehicles include a Geely recovered in Angeles City, Pampanga; a Toyota Vios involved in a ‘Rent-Sangla’ scheme in Piat, Cagayan; a Toyota Vios recovered in Tuguegarao City; a Toyota Fortuner recovered in San Rafael, Bulacan; a Hyundai Accent intercepted in Mariveles, Bataan; a Nissan Navara recovered in Aritao, Nueva Viscaya; a Hyundai Stargazer involved in a’ Rent-Sangla’ scheme in Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya; a Mitsubishi Montero linked to ‘Talon Casa-Benta’ scheme in Subic, Zambales; a Nissan Terra linked to a similar scheme in Guiguinto, Bulacan; a Mitsubishi Xpander also linked to a ‘Talon Casa’ scheme in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan; a Toyota Veloz linked to a ‘Labas-Casa Benta’ scheme in Malolos City, Bulacan; a Suzuki Ertiga involved in a ‘Rent-Tangay’ scheme in San Fernando City, Pampanga; a Toyota Fortuner linked to a ‘Failed-to-Return’ case in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur; and a Toyota Hi-Ace van linked to a fraudulent ‘Assume-Balance’ scheme in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.
Brig. Gen. Marantan said that from February 2 to 8, they recovered 19 stolen motor vehicles and 9 stolen motorcycles, arrested 37 wanted persons, impounded 1,117 vehicles for violation of various traffic laws and regulations, issued 14,139 traffic citation tickets and seized 17 banned sirens, 1,067 blinkers/lights, 13 modified mufflers and illegal HPG logo/stickers from unauthorized users.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa dami ng operasyon. Ang mas mahalaga ay yung pakiramdam ng seguridad ng mga motorista at commuters.
Kapag ramdam nila ang presensya ng pulis sa kalsada, mas kampante silang bumiyahe,” the PNP chief said.
Last January, the PNP-HPG’s intensified enforcement of transportation laws to promote discipline and prevent accidents led to the impounding of 1,015 motor vehicles and 3,625 motorcycles for various violations.
Law enforcers likewise issued more than 46,000 citation tickets, covering Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP), Traffic Citation Receipt (TCT) and Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVR).
The PNP-HPG in January also confiscated over 5,000 illegal vehicle accessories, including modified mufflers and unauthorized lighting devices which were described as common contributors to road accidents and public disturbance.
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