Police eye involvement of ex-cop to carjack gang

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District is now looking into the possible involvement of a dismissed policeman into a well-entrenched carjacking syndicate.

Police investigators are trying to squeeze information from former Police Officer 3 Guillermo Sartin who was reportedly responsible for a number of motorcycle thefts in Metro Manila. However, he continues to keep mum on his alleged illegal activities, according to anti-carnapping section chief Senior Inspector Randy Maluyo.

Sartin was arrested Tuesday afternoon as he was about to drive off with a motorcycle stolen from the parking lot of Universidad de Manila in Ermita.

Found in the suspect’s possession were flat screwdrivers, head hammer, a driver’s license and a wallet containing assorted identification cards. Another witness also positively identified Sartin as the same person who stole the motorcycle of PO3 Emmanuel Reyes while parked at the same school’s parking lot on Jan. 29.

When Sartin was collared Tuesday by the motorcycle’s owner, three men who introduced themselves as policemen reportedly approached the victim and tried to settle the matter. The men left after the owner insisted on bringing Sartin to the police, Maluyo said.

“Definitely Sartin belongs to a well-entrenched carjacking syndicate. I have received reports that some individuals are now working for his release,” Maluyo said.

The anti-carnapping chief said the suspect was a former Special Action Force personnel who was trained to keep secrets.