THE stepped up enforcement of the country’s anti-carnapping and traffic laws by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group in Metro Manila and the rest of the country last week led to the impounding of over 600 motor vehicles and motorcycles for various offenses and the arrest of six suspects, the Journal Group learned yesterday.

PNP-HPG director, Brigadier General William M. Segun said the six suspects were apprehended following anti-car theft operations from November 25 to December 1 which also resulted in the recovery of six motor vehicles and three motorcycles.

The motor vehicles were described as those that ‘Failed to Return’ to their registered owners while the motorbikes were stolen while parked unattended. The arrested suspects are now facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016 which criminalized the theft of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

In a report to PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, the official said they also impounded 84 motor vehicles and 509 motorcycles for various infractions and violations of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines during the period.

At the same time, he said that a total of 2,253 Temporary Operator’s Permit, 1,517 Ordinance Violation Receipts and 5,980 Traffic Citation Tickets were issued.

During the period, PNP-HPG operatives also confiscated 49 sirens and horns, 573 blinkers/lights, and 14 modified mufflers amid their strict enforcement of Presidential Decree 96 which bans the unauthorized use or attachments of sirens, bells, blinkers, horns, whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds on motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Fifteen motorists were also accosted for unauthorized use of HPG logo/stickers on their motor vehicles.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon