Imus, Cavite — Three individuals were arrested on Sunday, June 23, in connection with an alleged carnapping incident in Barangay Anabu 1-C, Imus, Cavite, after CCTV footage revealed they had stolen a parked van.

According to police, the owner reported the incident upon discovering their van was missing.

“The next morning, they found the truck was no longer in the garage. When they checked the GPS, they learned the truck was in Carmona,” said PLtCol. Louie Dionglay, officer-in-charge of Imus City Police Station.

Authorities report that the suspects abandoned the closed van in Carmona and sold its contents, consisting of assorted goods valued at ₱123,000. Upon apprehension, police recovered ₱20,000 from the sold products and a motorcycle used by one suspect to travel to Carmona.

The investigation led to the identification of the suspects through CCTV footage.

“When we reviewed the CCTV, they recognized one of the suspects. Upon closer inspection, one was their former employee, and another was their current employee,” Dionglay explained.

In a series of operations, police arrested the suspects, aged 30, 31, and 41, at their apartment. The 31-year-old suspect admitted to driving the truck, stating, “Yes, I drove the truck because he was supposed to drive it. But someone from the trucking company saw him. So I was asked to drive the truck out of the garage.”

The suspects face charges of violating Republic Act 10883, also known as the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, and Qualified Theft.

The owner of the stolen van declined to comment on the case. As the investigation continues, local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.