Police Seize Luxury Vehicles in Bulacan Operation
The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has successfully confiscated seven luxury cars, all allegedly unregistered, in a targeted operation in Bulacan. This action was initiated based on a crucial tip from a vigilant citizen, as confirmed by a police official on Thursday.
Unusual Gathering at NLEX Gas Station
PNP-HPG spokesperson Lieutenant Nadame Malang detailed the event during a press briefing held at Camp Crame. She revealed that the luxury vehicles were discovered idling at a gas station located along the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Marilao town last Monday night.
Lieutenant Malang pointed out the suspicious nature of the situation, noting that it was highly unusual for seven high-end cars to remain stationary at a gas station for nearly two hours. A routine refueling stop, she explained, typically takes no more than 30 minutes. Authorities are still investigating the precise reason behind the drivers' prolonged presence at the location.
Violations and Ongoing Investigation
The police operatives quickly validated the citizen's report, confirming that the seven luxury cars were using improvised license plates. This discovery served as the initial violation. A deeper probe subsequently revealed that all the vehicles were unregistered.
The owners of the apprehended cars have been identified only as businessmen and private individuals. As a result, the HPG is now scrutinizing whether these vehicles underwent the proper registration process. The seized cars have been turned over to the central office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Quezon City.
The drivers will face charges for violating Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, specifically for operating unregistered motor vehicles.
Potential Link to High-Profile Case
Lieutenant Malang also disclosed that the HPG is exploring a potential connection between the seized luxury cars and the fleet of vehicles linked to private contractor couple Pacifico \"Curlee\" Discaya and Cezarah Rowena \"Sarah\" Discaya.
She mentioned that the Discayas are known to possess a large number of luxury cars, many of which are no longer located at their residence. The HPG, in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs and other government agencies, has validated 12 vehicles and is actively searching for others. This ongoing search is a key reason for suspecting that the cars seized on Monday might be part of the same collection.
