Banawe shops in trouble over P.7-M ‘hot’ spare parts

MANILA, Philippines - Owners of car repair and supply shops raided by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) last week face charges unless they can prove that the spare parts confiscated from them were legally acquired, an official said yesterday.

QCPD director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano said the hundreds of spare parts, possibly from stolen cars, could amount to approximately P700,000.

QCPD deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said the owners of shops raided by the police would be invited to appear at Camp Karingal to present the documents of sale of the confiscated items.

“If they fail to comply, we would file a case for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law against them,” Pagdilao said in an interview.

Albano said the establishments they visited are the Triple J, ECL Auto Parts and Services, Alex Kalbo Surplus Auto Parts, Alex Auto Shop, Danny & Tonny Store and the stores operated by Edwin Falcunt, Bentie Sadian, Alvin Ebrada, Isabelo Nepa Ecot Jr., Alma Antonio, Riel Tulda Sullano, Uriel Sabang Saut, and Franklyn Garcia.

Pagdilao said among the parts they hauled were bumpers, shock absorbers, headlights and tail lights, doors, springs, gas tanks, air cleaners, evaporators, mug guards, air conditioning vents, exhaust pipes, cylinder heads, carburetors, radiators, tire sets and high-tension wires, among others.

“The owners failed to present receipts from their suppliers of the articles offered for sale to the public and some failed to present permits to operate business,” said Chief Inspector Roderick Tonga, head of the QCPD’s anti-car theft section, said in a report.

Police officials have been saying most stolen vehicles end up getting dismantled and their spare parts sold to “surplus” shops to avoid being traced by authorities.