RHPU-Caraga seeks PIA’s communication support to save future “hot car” buyers
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) - The Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU) of Caraga Region through PSSupt Jaime Macarilay recently sought the assistance of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to inform the public of the modus operandi of carnapping syndicates that are reportedly selling “hot cars” in the region.
According to Macarilay, they have already talked with some of the victims who are innocent with this modus operandi. “We understand the plight of the victims but since it is against the law, they will still suffer legal consequences, particularly the anti-fencing law,” Macarilay said.
Macarilay said government agencies should be responsible in advocating the public of the proliferation of this modus operandi where syndicates are freely operating in the country.
When asked if there are prominent personalities here in Caraga who are behind this operation, the official said they were only able to identify syndicates who are coming from Visayas and Luzon, “and definitely, no one from this region,” he said.
The official further said, RHPU is also advocating their slogan which goes: “Ingatan ang perang pinaghirapan… Bago bumili ng segundamanong sasakyan, sumangguni muna sa aming pinakamalapit na himpilan” (Take care of your money… Before buying second-hand vehicles, coordinate first with our nearest offices), he said.
Macarilay stressed mostly of the victims are well-to-do families, OFWs, and businessmen.
With these developments, the official asked PIA and the media to take part in educating the public who are possible victims of carnapping syndicates. (PIA-Caraga)
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RHPU warns public not to buy 'hot cars'
By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) – “To avoid problems and so as not be charged with the anti-fencing law, do not buy carnapped vehicles,” thus warned PSSupt Jaime Macarilay, Chief of Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU).
This is the call of the official after confirming that Caraga Region and some parts of Mindanao are considered dumping grounds of 'hot cars' coming from Visayas and Luzon.
Macarilay said anyone who buys these stolen vehicles are liable to law in accordance with Presidential Decree 1612, otherwise known as the “Anti-Fencing Law”.
“Innocence of the law excuses no one, thus, they will really answer legal consequences,” said PSInsp Raymundo Salagantin, RHPU Chief Investigator.
Under the anti-fencing law, any person guilty of fencing shall be punished the penalty of prision mayor, if the value of the property involved is more than 12,000 pesos but not exceeding 22,000 pesos; if the value of such property exceeds the latter sum, the penalty provided in this paragraph shall be imposed in its maximum period, adding one year for each additional 10,000 pesos; but the total penalty which may be imposed shall not exceed twenty years. In such cases, the penalty shall be termed reclusion temporal and the accessory penalty pertaining thereto provided in the Revised Penal Code shall also be imposed.
The penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods shall be imposed if the value of the property robbed or stolen is more than 6,000 pesos but not exceeding 12,000 pesos.
Also, the penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods will be enforced if the value of the property involved is more than 200 pesos but not exceeding 6,000 pesos.
Further, the penalty of arresto mayor in its medium period to prision correccional in its minimum period will be imposed if the value of the property involved is over 50 pesos but not exceeding 200 pesos.
Furthermore, imposition of the penalty of arresto mayor in its medium period if such value is over five (5) pesos but not exceeding 50 pesos.
Meanwhile, the penalty of arresto mayor is imposed in its minimum period if such value does not exceed 5 pesos. (PIA-Caraga)
