Modus Operandi of “rent-sangla” woman in Tabuk City, Kalinga: she uses other people to rent vehicles and later takes over control - re-renting or pawning them

Tabuk City, Kalinga - Following investigation and interviews with the victims, it appeared that alias “Mary,” a woman from Tabuk City, Kalinga implicated in a “rent-sangla” scheme by 2 car rental owners from Isabela, uses similar means to defraud her victims.

According to the two victims hidden under the name “John” and “Berto,” John rented out to Mary two vehicles (a Toyota Vios and an Innova), while Berto rented out 4 vehicles (2 units of Innova, a Vios, and a Mitsubishi Xpander). Based on what happened to them, Mary got hold of the vehicles through the involvement of another person, the first one who would make the first transaction to rent. 

John recounted that his first transaction was with the alias “Lando,” allegedly Mary’s brother. John said that Lando rented his Vios for seven days in July this year. However, before the rent contract expired, Mary contacted him through a video call and took over the rental agreement without providing any formal contract.

The payments are sent through GCash, making John think that his transaction with Mary was legitimate. 

“Sabi niya hindi na raw rerentahan ni Lando ung sasakyan at siya na sasalo. So yon okay naman, extend ng extend, through gcash yong payment. So dun nagtataka na din ako kasi karaniwan eh nanghihingi ng official receipt. Tapos sa kanila, wala silang tawad-tawad sa rent fee,” John narrated. 

The other day, John said another person (a woman) contacted him, claiming she is Mary’s niece and a resident of Cagayan. After their talks, the woman rented the Innova from him, saying it's for catering purposes, even showing IDs and taking pictures to make the transaction look real. 

John allowed the transaction but began to grow suspicious when he noticed that the vehicles were barely being used, unlike their usual renters, who would drive them for hundreds of kilometers. 

Nevertheless, the transactions continued until, on August 19, he saw the alarming post on their Facebook group against Mary. In shock, John and his wife quickly reported it to the authorities, who helped him retrieve his two vehicles.  

Meanwhile, the other victim, Berto, said the narratives of John are very similar to what happened to him, saying, “Ganun din po yong nangyari sakin na ginawa ni Mary hanggang nakita namin at na-realized (ni John) na parehas kaming nabiktima niya.” 

Meantime, HPG-Kalinga Chief, Police Captain Jordan Bongat said the victims came to their office on August 19 to report the matter to them and asked for assistance for the retrieval of the vehicles after HPG-Isabela coordinated with them.

Bongat said they immediately carried out tracking operations and had retrieved four out of the six vehicles as those who were in possession of the vehicles cooperated with them, making the retrieval faster. Only two vehicles of Berto were retrieved as of August 20, but Bongat promised they are doing everything to bring them back to him.