A GPS signal from a stolen mobile phone helped police dismantle an alleged carnapping syndicate and arrest eight suspects, including a minor, in separate operations across Metro Manila and Rizal on Friday, June 5.

The Eastern Police District (EPD) said the operations stemmed from a report by a 20-year-old student who was robbed of his white Honda PCX motorcycle and iPhone 16 Pro Max by four unidentified men riding two black Honda Click motorcycles at the corner of J.P. Rizal and Baybay Streets in Barangay Concepcion Uno, Marikina, at around 2:29 a.m. Friday. The suspects were wearing jackets, balaclavas, and helmets.

Personnel from the Marikina City Police Station Anti-Carnapping Unit (ANCAR), together with the EPD District Anti-Carnapping Unit and intelligence operatives, launched an intensive follow-up operation.

At around 10 a.m., authorities traced the victim's stolen mobile phone through its GPS signal to Recomville 2, Barangay 171, Caloocan City.

They immediately coordinated with Caloocan police and proceeded to the area.

Upon arrival, the victim positively identified one of the suspects aboard a white Hyundai Stargazer.

The operating team intercepted the vehicle.

To verify ownership of the stolen device, the victim called his mobile number. Officers then heard the phone ringing inside the suspect's belt bag, which led to his immediate arrest.

Also recovered from him was a 9mm caliber pistol without a serial number, a magazine loaded with eight live rounds of ammunition, and other personal belongings.

“The suspect failed to present any License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) or firearm registration documents, resulting in an additional charge for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act,” police said.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of several vehicles and items believed to be connected to the carnapping group’s illegal activities. These included two Honda PCX motorcycles, a Honda Click, a Yamaha Aerox, a Yamaha Mio Soul, a Yamaha NMAX, a Suzuki Raider, a Hyundai Stargazer SUV, and a Toyota Vios sedan.

“Various helmets, jackets, balaclavas, and articles of clothing that have also been identified by the victim as having been used during the commission of the crime were likewise seized,” they added.

During the custodial investigation, the arrested suspect revealed that the victim’s motorcycle had been taken to Lupang Arenda, Taytay, Rizal. This led to the recovery of the Honda PCX motorcycle and the arrest of two more suspects, one of whom was a minor.

Five other members of the carnapping group were also arrested in subsequent operations in Taguig and Pasig cities.

Authorities also recovered more motorcycles and another unlicensed caliber .38 revolver loaded with live ammunition from one of the suspects.

“The successful series of operations resulted in the arrest of a total of eight suspects believed to be involved in the carnapping incident and possibly linked to other motorcycle theft activities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” EPD said.

They are currently detained at the Male Custodial Facility of the Marikina CPS and will face charges for violation of RA 10883 (New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016) and violation of RA 10591.

The EPD added that the recovered firearms will undergo ballistic examination, while verification of their registered owners is being conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

Brig. Gen. Melecio M. Buslig Jr., EPD officer-in-charge, said successful operations within 24 hours shows the dedication of police personnel and the district’s commitment to delivering “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”