198 cops’ vehicles tagged in PNP crackdown

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 198 vehicles parked in regional and district camps of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were cited for violations in relation with the Philippine National Police’s crackdown on police officers using stolen vehicles.

Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, NCRPO chief, said police officers buy stolen vehicles because they are affordable compared to buying a brand new model.

“Especially for stolen motorcycles, it would be sold for only P3,000 to P10,000. Policemen probably think they wouldn’t be apprehended. Some even transact for these while in uniform,” Sinas said in a press conference yesterday.

Dubbed “Oplan Viserion,” it would be randomly implemented in different camps, offices and premises of the NCRPO. 

Camp Bagong Diwa was placed under lockdown shortly after the flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning as inspectors started checking vehicles of personnel parked in the camp. The NCRPO’s five police districts were also subjected to the same protocol.

Inspectors found that some parked vehicles inside the police camps were unregistered, had no plates or certificates of registration, among others.

In Camp Bagong Diwa, the NCRPO’s headquarters, 58 cars were cited for violations. In the Northern Police District, there were 18; 16 in the Eastern PD; 7 in Manila PD; 73 in the Southern PD; and 13 in the Quezon City PD.

Four motorcycles without license plates have not been claimed. They are suspected to have been stolen and are being used by police officers.

All police officers and civilian drivers with violations were issued citation tickets. The NCRPO said personnel cited for violations would face administrative charges.