The regional chief of the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) yesterday warned the public against car rental owners also allegedly involved in carnapping operations.

Lt. Colonel Delia Pedrezuela issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting initiated by the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) in Negros Oriental held at the convention center in Dumaguete City.

Pedrezuela said they were doing their best to curb carjacking incidents and urged rent-a-car businesses to strictly comply with the law.

“We assure you that we are doing our best to neutralize the number of car rental scams in the province,” she said.

What was really surprising is their discovery that certain car rental businesses are reportedly involved in the carnapping schemes, she added.

In an interview with local media, Pedrezuela vowed to pursue these illegal operators, many of whom lack business permits, official receipts, and other required documentation.

PHPT Negros Oriental provincial chief Police Executive Master Sergeant Aurelio Bodo reported that from January to February this year, three carnapping incidents have been reported in the province.

Bodo assured the public that scammers can be easily identified since most of their transactions are made online and leave digital traces.

A notable case involved the theft and sale of five vehicles, four of which were owned by a single perpetrator, who conducted his transactions online. The vehicles, found in different parts of the province, were all eventually recovered on February 10.

Bodo called on the public to be wary of car rentals that do not have legal documents to present, as it would usually end up as a scam. (PNA)