TWO stolen motor vehicles were recovered by agents of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group in separate anti-car theft operations in the countryside this week, PNP-HPG director, Brigadier General Eleazar P. Matta said yesterday.

One of the vehicles: a high-end Ford Mustang was recovered by members of the PNP-HPG National Capital Region Unit conducting a ‘plate-spotting operation’ along 7th Avenue corner P. Aquino, Caloocan City last Monday.

The official said that the driver of the Mustang was initially flagged down for unauthorized use of an improvised plate, and failed to show a certificate of registration, and was found driving without a license shortly before 8 p.m. Monday.

During verification, the vehicle was found to be included in its list of ‘hot’ vehicles prompting the HPG-NCR to impound it for further investigation.

The second vehicle: a Toyota Fortuner was recovered by members of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 9 along Thomas Claudio Street in Zamboanga City around 4 p.m. last Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Matta said.

The official said that the SUV was reported to be a ‘Failed to Return’ vehicle, which the apprehended driver was reported to have failed to return to the registered owner.

The driver who voluntarily surrendered the vehicle to the RHPU was released after getting an impounding receipt. He was advised to provide supporting documents to the PNP-HPG.

Brig. Gen. Matta commended his men for making those recoveries.

“Every successful recovery is a victory against crime. This operation reflects our commitment to safeguarding citizens and ensuring stolen vehicles are returned to their rightful owners. Our officers’ dedication to duty remains steadfast and we will continue to heighten our vigilance against vehicle-related crimes,” he said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon