Carnapping suspect nabbed in Pasay City

A carnapping suspect who allegedly applied as a family driver to duplicate the key and steal his employer’s vehicle was arrested in Pasay City.

Suspect Kevin Robb Santos Edo, 29, was nabbed by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) through a warrant of arrest for carnapping, Emil Sumangil reported on “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

An initial investigation showed Edo allegedly applied as a driver for private individuals or for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies to duplicate the key to his employer’s vehicle.

He would resign after a few days and reportedly steal the car with the help of his gang.

“Alam nila kung saan nila pina-park. Ito po’y grupo kung mag operate, meron silang mekaniko, electrician, nadi-disable po nila yung mga features ng sasakyan, particularly yung immobiliser,” said HPG-NCR Regional Chief Police Colonel Joel Casupanan.

(They know where the car is parked. Their gang includes a mechanic and an electrician who know how to disable a vehicle's features, particularly the immobilizer.)

Casupanan also said the group targets luxury cars.

“Make sure na i-screen maigi yung mga driver na nag aaplay sa kanila. Hanggat maari kunan ng NBI at police clearance,” he added.

(Make sure to screen applicants and ask for their police and NBI clearance.)

GMA Integrated News reached out to the suspect for a comment.

Carnap suspects nabbed in Cubao

Meanwhile, a suspect wanted for theft was nabbed in Cubao, Quezon City.

Suspect Edilberto Reolope, 23, was recently charged with violating the Anti-Carnapping Law after a police asset saw his social media post selling a stolen motorcycle.

The HPG warned those buying vehicles online to be wary of such schemes.

“Kapag bibili ng sasakyan, siguraduhin po ninyo na legitimate po 'yung document na ipinapakita sa inyo,” Casupanan said.

(If you buy online, make sure the vehicle’s documents are legitimate.) — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News