Negros oriental: The Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) in Negros Oriental has announced a 35-percent reduction in carnapping cases for the year 2025, attributed to sustained operations and collaborative efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, PHPT-Negros Oriental chief, Police Executive Master Sgt Aurelio Bodo, reported that there were 42 recorded incidents of motorcycle and four-wheeled vehicle carnapping in 2025, down from 65 in 2024. Bodo credited this achievement to the robust support and cooperation from partner agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders.

In addition to the reduction in carnapping, the PHPT issued 1,359 temporary operator's permits last year. Common violations included failure to wear seatbelts, not carrying an official receipt/certificate of registration (OR/CR), driving without a valid driver's license, and not wearing a helmet. The team achieved a 100-percent recovery rate for four-wheeled vehicles, thanks to effective coordination, as most of these vehicles were stolen outside Negros Oriental. The recovery rate for motorcycles stood at 85 percent.

In terms of law enforcement, particularly under Republic Act 10883 or the Anti-Carnapping Act, 20 suspects were apprehended without a warrant, while five were arrested with a warrant. Additionally, 18 individuals were apprehended for other criminal offenses.

A notable accomplishment last year was the seizure of 574 master cases of illicit cigarettes in Basay, Negros Oriental, with an estimated value exceeding PHP24 million.