Woman nabbed for carjacking

MANILA, Philippines - A woman and her companion were arrested for carjacking by members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Thursday night.

Mariecar Rosel, 26, was arrested with her companion – identified as Reginald Van Malate, 27 – during a stakeout at a hotel in the city, QCPD director Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio said.

Rosel, 26, is facing charges lodged by victim Monaliza Rosell-Laurente, who said the suspect forcibly took her Toyota Fortuner in front of a drugstore in Barangay Greater Fairview on Jan. 18.

Chief Inspector Jose Joey Arandia, head of the QCPD anti-car theft unit, said they received information that the missing vehicle was seen parked at the basement of Sogo Hotel in Barangay Philam.

He said their operatives immediately proceeded to the area and conducted a stakeout to catch the suspects.

The victim identified the suspect as the same woman who took her vehicle.

Meanwhile, police also recovered another Toyota Fortuner in Barangay Valencia on Wednesday.

Witnesses said the driver of the vehicle immediately parked and left the area upon seeing a police checkpoint.

Recovered from the vehicle was .45 caliber Colt pistol lying on the driver’s seat, as well as a pair of license plates, assorted bank checks and other personal belongings.

Tinio said the vehicle will be subjected to macro-etching examination and verification with the Land Transportation Office to determine its owner.

The recovered gun was also turned over to the firearms and explosives division for verification and ballistics examination.