Cop caught driving stolen car

MANILA, Philippines - A senior police officer was arrested for driving a stolen car in Tayuman, Manila on Monday afternoon, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) said yesterday.

Police said SPO4 Fridel Escobar Gamez, Aviation Security Group (ASG), could not present the car’s certificate of registration and official receipt when HPG operatives, led by Senior Superintendent Sheldon Jacaban, accosted him for obstructing the flow of traffic.

HPG director Chief Superintendent Orlando Mabutas said HPG agents flagged down Gamez on board a red Ford car (WFK-347) for obstructing the flow of traffic.

When further questioned, Gamez failed to show documents of the vehicle prompting them to bring it to HPG Headquarters for further probe.

Investigation showed the vehicle was included in the list of wanted motor vehicles covered after it was reported stolen while parked along Taft Avenue, Manila in November 2001. – Cecille Suerte Felipe