CAMP VICENTE LIM, Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna – Operatives of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 4A under the leadership of its regional chief Col. Rommel Estolano successfully carried out simultaneous anti-carnapping operations that resulted in the recovery of several vehicles in Laguna and Rizal involved in the “Rent- Tangay, Rent-Sangla-Benta/ Bawi” scheme.

Estolano said that on December 3, 2023, PCMS Melvin Carran, PSSg Francis Fernando, Pat Renz Andaya of the Mobile Patrol Section; PCpl. Ian Nuestro, of the Investigation Section; and Pat. Mark Edward Lituaña, of the Operation Section conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the recovery of a Toyota Vios (NGY1235) and a Montero Sports Utility Vehicle (NDE4966) involved in the rent-tangay scheme in Cabuyao City, Laguna.

In an anti-carnapping operation on December 27 led by Lt. Arvin Ramos of the Investigation and Intelligence Section, PMSg Jim Russel Almonte and PCpl Ian Nuestro launched follow-up operations that led to the recovery of a Toyota Vios with plate no. DAQ9683 owned by Ryan Joseph R. Landicho

According to Estolano, on November 28, 2023, a Toyota Vios with plate no. DBF4282 owned by Joey Salomon was rented by Arlene Ballesteros for five days and scheduled to be returned on December 3, 2023.

However, Ballesteros failed to return the car on the agreed rental date prompting the victim to seek police’ help.

On January 2, 2024, student Christian Mateo, of 725 J. Sumulong St., Bgy .San Juan, Morong Rizal personally appeared before the HPG Calabarzon office and filed a complaint against Josh Villa alias “Danney Rey M Ruiz”, of Bgy Talipapa QC.

Authorities immediately conducted an operation to recover the vehicle.

The HPG-Calabarzon said all the recovered vehicles are currently under the temporary custody of the RHPU4A, with the consent of its owners.

Victims were advised to coordinate with the unit to initiate appropriate legal action against the suspects.

The registered owners of the vehicles have also been notified to prepare the necessary documents for the prompt release of the vehicles from the unit’s impounding area.

According to Estolano, the said vehicles were easily recovered by the police with the help of the GPS tracking device.

The HPG official advised business sectors involved in car rental to install tracking device to monitor their vehicle on real time.

Estolano added that the successful recovery of the vehicles is a significant accomplishment of the RHPU4A, a testament of the unit’s commitment in conducting intensified anti-carnapping operations.