The Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) in Negros Oriental made strides in its campaign against carnapping, robbery, and traffic violations last year.

Police Executive Master Sergeant Aurelio Bodo, PHPT-Negros Oriental chief, said yesterday the team arrested and filed charges against key carnapping suspects.

He said the highway patrol group’s primary mandate is to implement Republic Act 10883, the Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016.

Among those arrested was “Angie,” listed as the No. 1 carnapping suspect in Central Visayas.

Also arrested were “Reneboi,” responsible for six motorcycle carnappings in Dumaguete City and Sibulan; “Ronel,” apprehended in Davao City; and the Larriosa Group, responsible for motorcycle carnappings.

Six people were also arrested for the carnapping of a 2024 Ford Ranger.

Other accomplishments included issuing 2,419 temporary operator’s permits for traffic violations, impounding 402 motorcycles and 35 other vehicles, and arresting 35 people for traffic-related offenses.

Most violations involved not wearing helmets, driving without a license, failing to carry vehicle registration, and not wearing seat belts.

The PHPT also arrested two Iranian nationals allegedly involved in a robbery and recovered four vehicles with false documents and 30 stolen motorcycles. (PNA)