Cebu Businessman Apprehended in Elaborate 'Rentangay' Carnapping Operation
In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, a 46-year-old businessman was arrested by operatives from the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU) 7 on Friday morning, March 13, 2026, in Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City. The arrest was made in connection with serious violations of the Anti-Carnapping Law, highlighting a sophisticated criminal enterprise that has targeted multiple victims across the region.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The individual taken into custody has been identified as Brian Anthony Diago Savellon, a resident of Visitacion St., Osmeña Boulevard. Savellon was apprehended based on a warrant of arrest issued by Judge James Stewart Himalaloan of RTC Branch 7 in Cebu City on January 19, 2026. The court has set bail for the case at P300,000, indicating the gravity of the charges against him.
Leading the operation was Police Major Silvestre Cenia Jr., who provided insights into the suspect's criminal methodology. According to Major Cenia, Savellon employed a scheme locally known as "rentangay," a deceptive practice that exploits trust and legal documentation for illicit gain.
Unveiling the 'Rentangay' Modus Operandi
The 'rentangay' scheme involves a calculated process of deception. Savellon would initially rent a vehicle from its owner, building rapport and trust through consistent rental payments. Once he had gained the owner's confidence, he would proceed to forge the vehicle's documents, fraudulently transferring ownership to his name. Subsequently, he would sell the vehicle to unsuspecting buyers or use it as collateral for loans, effectively converting rented property into personal profit.
"This modus is called rentangay. He would rent the vehicle until the owner trusts him because he pays regularly. Once he gains their trust, he creates fake papers to sell it to others," explained Major Cenia, detailing the predatory nature of the operation.
High-Profile Victims and Recovered Assets
Among the notable victims of Savellon's scheme is a retired Police General. The suspect rented a Toyota Grandia from the general but failed to return it. Investigations revealed that the vehicle was sold to a politician in Leyte for P400,000, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of his criminal activities.
In a previous incident last year, a Chinese businessman from Region 8 also filed a case against Savellon after falling victim to similar tactics. During the arrest, authorities from HPG 7 seized two additional vehicles: a Toyota Avanza owned by a Korean national and a Toyota Innova that Savellon had planned to sell using counterfeit documents, but was intercepted by law enforcement.
Appeal for Public Cooperation and Ongoing Investigation
HPG 7 suspects that many more individuals may have been victimized by Savellon without coming forward to file complaints. In light of this, Major Cenia has urged the public to visit their office if they have had similar experiences involving the suspect. This appeal aims to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and ensure justice for all affected parties.
The arrest underscores the persistent challenges in combating vehicle-related crimes in urban areas and highlights the importance of vigilance and legal awareness among vehicle owners and renters.
