By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Monday reported the recovery of 76 stolen vehicles and the arrest of 45 suspects in January this year.
In a statement, HPG officer in charge Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said those recovered include 59 motor vehicles and 17 motorcycles.
Meanwhile, 14 criminal cases were filed against those involved in vehicle theft.
Also in January, Matta said the HPG’s intensified crackdown resulted in a total of 17,185 operations, comprising 9,768 initiated operations and 4,417 joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.
Apart from major anti-vehicle theft efforts, Matta said the HPG also strictly enforced traffic laws and regulations under Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), a total of 420 motor vehicles and 2,534 motorcycles were impounded while law enforcers issued 9,857 temporary operator’s permits, 5,895 ordinance violation receipts (OVRs), and 24,883 traffic citation tickets (TCTs) to violators.
Meanwhile, the HPG’s campaign against unauthorized vehicle modifications under Presidential Decree 96 resulted in the confiscation of one siren, 134 horns, 260 blinkers, 3,205 illegal lights, and 79 modified mufflers and the HPG apprehended 1,025 vehicles for violating the “No Plate, No Travel” policy.
“These accomplishments reflect the commitment of the men and women of the Highway Patrol Group in ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike. Our operations are driven by integrity, vigilance, and the pursuit of justice. We will remain steadfast in our mission to rid our roads of criminal elements and keep our highways safe for every Filipino,” said Matta. (PNA)