Cops arrest man driving carnapped motorcycle

CEBU, Philippines — A 27-year-old man was arrested after police found him driving a motorcycle that had previously been reported as carnapped during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Poblacion, Pinamungajan on June 14, 2026.

According to the Pinamungajan Municipal Police Station, the incident happened at around 3:10 p.m. when the registered owner of the motorcycle approached officers manning a checkpoint and reported that someone was using his Honda Click 125, which had earlier been reported as carnapped in Cebu City.

Police verified that the incident had already been recorded by Police Station 6 of the Cebu City Police Office and that a corresponding case had been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

After verifying the report, responding officers spotted the suspect driving the motorcycle along a road in sitio Dakit, Barangay Poblacion. Police immediately chased the suspect in an effort to recover the vehicle.

During the pursuit, the suspect lost control of the motorcycle after hitting a canal along the road and crashed. He then abandoned the motorcycle and tried to escape on foot.

Police said the suspect also allegedly threw away a caliber .38 revolver loaded with three live rounds of ammunition while fleeing. The firearm was later recovered by responding officers.

With the help of residents in the area, police were able to arrest the suspect and recover both the reportedly carnapped motorcycle and the firearm.

One of the residents who witnessed the incident, Ginalyn Tapang of Barangay Lut-od, Pinamungajan, said she was surprised to see many people gathering near the area.

“Naa ko sa gasolinahan atong pagka-hitaboa, nahibong nalang ko daghan tao gatapok,” Tapang said.

“Para nako kulba gyud, kay ang nahitabo sa syudad ba kay naabot na man diri,” she added.

The suspect and the recovered evidence were brought to the Pinamungajan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and the filing of appropriate charges, including violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. — /MRM (FREEMAN)