Man missing since 2019 collared for driving ‘hot car’ in Cebu
A 31-YEAR-OLD man reported missing since 2019 was found alive by agents of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 7 (RHPU7) in Cebu while driving a “hot car”, a report to Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group Director Brigadier General Rommel Francisco D. Marvil said on Friday.
“Jazen” was apprehended last Tuesday in Cebu while driving a black Nissan Navara pickup truck with an improvised plate, which was originally issued to a Toyota Hi-Ace commuter van, said RHPU7 chief, Lt. Col. Joel Manuel A. Ana.
The official said that while being questioned by RHPU7 operatives led by Lt. Emeliano L. Carlos, the suspect introduced himself as “Joaquin Layugan Fernandez” and presented an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) identification indicating he is an “AFP Enlisted Personnel Reservist” with the rank of sergeant.
The AFP ID was issued last February 28 and will expire on December 20, 2025.
Ana said that the suspect likewise claimed to be a native of Calamba City in Laguna currently residing in Minglanilla, Cebu, and the branch manager of Wheeltek Motorcycle based in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.
However, a thorough verification revealed the suspect’s real name, a resident of Matamis Street in Bgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City, was reported by his sister as “missing” sometime in October 2019.
The RHPU7 chief said that the arrested suspect is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, RA 6085 or the act regulating the use of aliases and driving without a license under Article 1, Section 19 of RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
