Carjack gang boss falls in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested the leader of a notorious carjacking syndicate allegedly responsible for stealing the car of Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III in 2012 in Caloocan City on Monday night.

Jommel Salvatierra, leader of the Salvatierra car theft group operating in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, was apprehended by operatives of the Caloocan police led by Superintendent Ferdinand del Rosario, commander of Barugo police station.

Police officers swooped down on the house of the suspect’s in-laws in Kaybiga, North Caloocan at around 7 p.m. armed with an arrest warrant for illegal possession of firearms issued by Judge Mary Ann Corpuz-Mañalac of the Malolos, Bulacan Regional Trial Court Branch 82.

Caloocan police chief Senior Superintendent Bernard Tambaoan tagged Salvatierra’s group in the carjacking of Pimentel’s vehicle in 2012.

Police had earlier arrested the suspect but he managed to post bail.

During interrogation, Salvatierra denied any involvement in carjacking activities, saying he is engaged in buy and sell business.