MPD gets new anti-car theft chief

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District’s (MPD’s) new anti-car theft chief will assume his post today, several days after the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) announced that Manila is now the country’s car theft capital.

Chief Inspector Rizalino Pecayo, formerly assigned at the MPD District Logistics Division, replaced Chief Inspector Ariel Caramoan, who was sacked as MPD anti-carnapping unit chief by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Caramoan was transferred to MPD Station 4, where he will function as deputy commander.

HPG spokesperson Edwin Butacan said in a news briefing at Camp Crame last week that Manila reported the most number of car thefts since February, bumping Quezon City from the top spot.