Dumaguete city: The regional chief of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has issued a warning to the public about car rental owners who are allegedly involved in carnapping operations. Lt. Col. Delia Pedrezuela highlighted these concerns during a stakeholders' meeting organized by the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) in Negros Oriental at the local convention center.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pedrezuela stated that efforts are being intensified to reduce carjacking incidents in the area. She encouraged rent-a-car businesses to adhere to legal requirements, emphasizing, "We assure you that we are doing our best to neutralize the number of car rental scams in the province." The alarming discovery that some car rental businesses are reportedly partaking in these carnapping schemes was underscored during the meeting.

In a discussion with local media, Pedrezuela committed to taking action against these illegal operators, many of whom operate without business permits, official receipts, and necessary documentation. Supporting this initiative, PHPT Negros Oriental provincial chief Police Executive M/Sgt. Aurelio Bodo reported that the province saw three carnapping incidents from January to February this year.

Bodo reassured the public that scammers could be easily traced since their transactions predominantly occur online, leaving behind digital footprints. He cited a significant case where five vehicles were stolen and sold, four of which were linked to a single perpetrator who conducted online transactions. Notably, all the vehicles were recovered on February 10 in various locations across the province.

Bodo advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with car rentals that lack proper legal documentation, as these often turn out to be scams.