Manila: The Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Tuesday reported the recovery of 10,746 stolen vehicles in operations conducted from Sept. 1 to Nov. 24.
According to Philippines News Agency, in the same period, HPG personnel also arrested 191 individuals with warrants and 86 without warrants, while recovering 12 firearms linked to various criminal activities. In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP-HPG Director, Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan, said they have returned 2,000 motor vehicles and 8,746 motorcycles to their rightful owners since Sept. 1.
He said the cases involve violations of Republic Act 10883 (New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016), RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), Presidential Decree 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law), Failure to Return, and criminal offenses, such as robbery, extortion, and estafa. 'It all started from initial violations, the LTO (Land Transportation Office) violations, then when we went deeper into questioning on the documents, wala na silang naipakita (they were unable to present anything). They cannot present proof of ownership,' he said.
Apart from major anti-vehicle theft efforts, Marantan said the HPG also strictly enforced traffic laws and regulations under Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code). These led to the confiscation of 16,812 illegal blinkers and lights, 828 unauthorized sirens, and 201 modified mufflers.
A total of 177,477 violation tickets were also issued, composed of TOP (temporary operator's permits), OVR (ordinance violation receipts), and TCT (traffic citation tickets). Additionally, 1,307 violations of Article 179 on the unauthorized use of HPG stickers and logos, were recorded.
The HPG said the confiscated blinkers and sirens from operations nationwide are subject to destruction. The destruction aims to reinforce lawful road safety practices, prevent the misuse of emergency equipment, and support the integrity of legitimate police operations.
'These accomplishments are aligned with the PNP's Focused Agenda, a blueprint of transformation designed to make police service more responsive, credible, and operationally effective. Anchored particularly on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the HPG affirms its commitment to disciplined enforcement, intensified interdiction, precise vehicle law implementation, and the protection of communities through sustained and accountable police operations,' Marantan said.
