HPG warns public vs. ‘sangla/pasalo’ carnap scam

“Carnapping (methods) have mutated,” PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) director Chief Supt. Roberto B. Fajardo explained. (PNA file photo by Benjamin Pulta)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday cautioned the public against the ‘sangla/pasalo’ scam.

“Carnapping (methods) have mutated,” PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) director Chief Supt. Roberto B. Fajardo explained.

Fajardo said the scam is perpetrated by thieves who “rent” vehicles still under financing from their owners and then dispose of these to car brokers on the prowl near casinos.

Earlier, two persons were arrested over the said scam.

Arrested in separate operations were Joven Mañalac, 37, of Pulilan, Bulacan and Ryan del Rosario, 36, of San Jose, Minulid, Mexico, Pampanga.

At least half a dozen victims went to the HPG Tuesday to positively identify the suspects, who apparently issued post-dated checks in exchange for possession of vehicles and its papers.

The complainants alleged that not only did the checks bounce but they later discovered the vehicles had been subsequently disposed of by the suspects to other people.

Mañalac was arrested around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday by personnel of the High Patrol Group’s Special Operation Division in a manhunt operation following a warrant of arrest dated April 12 issued by Muntinlupa City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 113 Judge Melody S. Restituto for estafa.

The suspects, who operate in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and southern Luzon allegedly took at least six vehicles from five victims.

Fajardo also urged other victims to come forward and initiate the proper cases against members of the syndicates, who are active on social media.

On the other hand, Pasig City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 69 Judge Christian Emmanuel G. Pimentel issued an arrest order against del Rosario for the same offense.