Tabuk City, Kalinga – Accountability in carnapping does not fall solely on thieves but also on individuals who buy stolen vehicles, according to Police Captain Jordan Bongat, Chief of the Highway Patrol Group–Kalinga (HPG-Kalinga).
Bongat made the statement during an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on December 15, 2025, following the successful arrest of the Top 2 and Top 3 Most Wanted Persons in Kalinga earlier this month for motorcycle theft.
The suspects, known by the aliases “Bogs” and “EB,” are reportedly relatives from Tabuk City and were arrested on December 12 by HPG-Kalinga and the Tabuk City Police Station, respectively.
Discussing the penalties for individuals who acquire stolen vehicles, Bongat stressed that a buyer who knowingly purchases a stolen vehicle also commits a criminal offense.
He cited the Anti-Fencing Law or Presidential Decree No. 1612, which penalizes not only thieves but also those who deal in stolen property with intent to gain for themselves or for others. As cited by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the law aims to eliminate the market for stolen items by holding both carnappers and buyers accountable.
Under the law, offenders may face imprisonment of up to 20 years, depending on the value of the carnapped vehicle purchased.
“Ti liability dagijay gumatgatang iti kasjay nga natakaw ket mabalin da nga makasuhan iti Anti-Fencing Law. Sunga nu kaspangarigan ginatang mo ti motor wenno lugan nga takaw, pasok ka iti Anti-Fencing Law. Sika ti kasuhan da,” Bongat explained.
For those who purchased vehicles without knowledge that they were stolen, Bongat said they may not face criminal charges if they can prove they acted in good faith, as provided under Republic Act No. 10883, or the Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016.
However, such buyers may still be civilly liable to return the motorcycle to its rightful owner and must comply with all legal requirements regarding possession and registration.
Bongat reminded the public to be cautious when purchasing vehicles sold at unusually low prices, noting that this is often an indicator that the vehicle may be stolen. He advised buyers to avoid undocumented vehicles and to always verify the authenticity of documents.
To further ensure a vehicle’s legitimacy, Bongat encouraged prospective buyers to visit the HPG-Kalinga office at Camp Capt. Juan M. Duyan in Bulanao, Tabuk City, for verification.
“Nu adda ti ilako nga motor iti napakababà nga presyo, nasaysayaat nga mapan da umuna ditoy HPG tapno ma-verify tayo nu kasama ba iti listaan dagiti wanted wenno carnapped vehicles. Suri-en tayo met ti papeles nu original ken lehitimo. Iwasan tayo ti gumatang iti motor wenno lugan nga awan wenno xerox laeng ti papeles na, tapno haan tayo mailawlaw-an nga gumatang iti sasakyan nga ti paggapuanna ket nakaw wenno kinarnap,” the law enforcer reminded.
.png)
