Carjack gang boss nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - The leader of the Salvatierra Carjacking Group was arrested by Quezon City policemen yesterday morning in Bulacan.

Joemel Salvatierra, alias “Niknok,” was nabbed after attending a hearing in Malolos, Bulacan for yet another car theft case, said Quezon City Police District director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano.

Albano said policemen were armed with an arrest warrant issued against Salvatierra by Valenzuela City Judge Teresita Asuncion Lacandula-Rodriguez for illegal possession of firearms.

Chief Inspector Roderick Tonga, head of the QCPD’s anti-car theft section, said the suspect’s arrest was made after they monitored his other standing arrest warrants.

“It could be that he was not aware of that warrant and failed to post bail for it,” Tonga told The STAR.

 â€œWe received information that he was set to attend a hearing in Bulacan so we tailed him,” he added.

QCPD deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said Salvatierra’s group has been known for stealing vehicles that are parked unattended.