Police say colleague now facing court case

CEBU, Philippines - Police yesterday belied reports that PO2 Arvin Hernandez cannot be charged for his alleged involvement in a local carnapping group.

Chief Insp. Eduardo Mara, chief of the Regional Mobile Patrol Group, told The FREEMAN that the reports can’t be true because Hernandez, in fact, was charged together with his alleged cohorts last Thursday for violation of Republic Act 6539 or the Anti-Carnpping Act of 1972.

Hernandez is currently assigned at the Police Regional Intelligence Division. Police alleged that he acted as broker for the carnapping group, therefore, participated directly in the criminal act.

“Sa una palang, siya nahimo siyang instrumental. Ang participation sa carnapping kay siya gyud ang nagbaligya sa kinawat nga unit,” Mara said.

Mara said that while being a broker is not a crime per se, what caused the problem was the absence of legitimate documents for the vehicles sold.

“Magbaligya ka’g sakyanan nga walay dokomeno? That should be a sign,” Mara said, adding, that having been assigned previously with Regional Mobile Patrol Group (RMPG), Hernandez should have been more critical in accepting jobs.

Regional Intelligence Division Chief Rey Lawas who heads the investigation against Hernandez told The FREEMAN that Hernandez had formally denied the allegations in an affidavit.

Still, Mara said Hernandez would have to defend himself in court during the hearing of the case. He said they could no longer locate Hernandez as of yesterday.

“Wala nami kita niya,” Mara said in a phone interview. Another suspect, a certain Marione Lambajon, and two other unidentified men are also at large.

Those arrested include Nexon Jumao-as, Christian Dela Cruz, Ralph Ryan Catulong, Rey Cris Gonzaga and Danilo Capellan.

The arrest of the suspects came after Felix Enopia, who lost his multicab, sought help from RMPG. Incidentally, it was also at the RMPG headquarters at Campo Sotero Cabahug whre he found his vehicle.

The vehicle was allegedly supposed to be sold to Jose Antonio, the chief of the Crime Laboratory 7, who has already prepared P25,000 for the vehicle.

Hernandez himself reportedly became instrumental in the capture of his five cohorts. The police said the carnapping syndicate is a small but organized group that operates locally. (FREEMAN)