Dumaguete city: The Philippine National Police's Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) in Negros Oriental has successfully recovered five stolen motor vehicles in a single day of intensified operations. This achievement follows the arrest of a suspected carnapper, contributing to efforts aimed at curbing vehicle-related crimes in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, PHPT provincial chief PEMS Aurelio Bodo disclosed that the recovery operation took place on Tuesday, with the vehicles having been linked to the 'Rent-Tangay-Sangla' modus operandi. The scheme involves legitimately renting vehicles and subsequently pawning them off using falsified Certificates of Registration under the alias Jethro. Jethro, who was previously apprehended by the PHPT, is currently held at the Dumaguete City Police Station detention facility.

The inventory of recovered vehicles includes a grayish blue Toyota Vios found in Barangay Motong, a blackish red Toyota Vios located in Barangay Calindagan, a white Mitsubishi XForce and a white Hyundai vehicle both retrieved from Barangay Mag-aso in Dauin town, and a blue MG ZS Trophy discovered in Basay town. The PHPT chief emphasized that these vehicles were initially rented legitimately before being unlawfully pawned.

Bodo cautioned the public against renting out their vehicles to suspicious individuals, highlighting the risk of falling victim to similar scams. He assured that the recovered vehicles are currently under a custodial investigation by the PHPT and will undergo macro-etching examinations to ensure their authenticity before returning them to their rightful owners.

In his statement, Bodo reaffirmed the PHPT Negros Oriental's dedication to its role as "Guardians of the Highways," emphasizing their steadfast commitment to protecting the public from organized vehicle-related crimes and preventing criminal syndicates from exploiting stolen motor vehicles.