CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Police operatives successfully intercepted and arrested four alleged carnapping suspects at a checkpoint in Matimus, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, on February 15, 2025.
Personnel from the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDNPPO) acted swiftly after receiving a report of a stolen motorcycle on February 14. To prevent its escape, authorities established a checkpoint in Matimus to intercept the stolen vehicle.
At around 4:00 PM on February 15, a white motorcycle (baobao) matching the description of the carnapped unit approached the checkpoint. Police flagged down the vehicle for verification and confirmed it was the same one reported stolen the previous day.
The four individuals onboard were immediately arrested and identified by their aliases as “Onel,” 41, from Dipolog City; “Romel,” 35, from Pagadian City; “Aya,” 19, from Pagadian City; and “Ailyn,” 18, also from Pagadian City.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects took the motorcycle from a restaurant in Barangay Maranding, Kapatagan, and transported it to Barangay Mamaanon, Salvador, Lanao del Norte. Further probing uncovered their involvement in another carnapping incident on January 30, 2025.
Following this revelation, a joint follow-up operation was conducted in Barangay Mamaanon, resulting in the recovery of 11 additional allegedly stolen motorcycles. Among the recovered units were five three-wheeled motorcycles (baobao), a Sniper motorcycle, a Honda CRF, a Yamaha RS110, a Bajaj, a Rusi, and a Mio Soul. Authorities believe the suspects intended to sell the vehicles at a lower price.
All recovered motorcycles and the arrested individuals are now under the custody of Kapatagan MPS, while a case for violation of the Anti-Carnapping Law is being prepared for inquest filing.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), commended the checkpoint personnel for their swift and effective action.
“I commend the personnel of Kapatagan MPS and the 2nd PMFC for their swift action that led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of 12 carnapped vehicles. This accomplishment highlights the importance of our checkpoint operations in preventing crimes and apprehending criminals,” he said.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to report any illegal activities to their local police stations to help curb crime in the community.
