TWO motor vehicles stolen in Metro Manila in 1997 and 2001 were recovered by patrolling agents of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group in separate anti-carnapping operations this week, PNP-HPG director Chief Supt. Leonardo A. Espina announced yesterday.

Espina said the first vehicle, a Honda Accord (TRR-630), was recovered by eagle-eyed members of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 3 under Senior Supt. Sheldon Jacaban inside a cockpit arena in San Antonio, Zambales, 4 p.m. Wednesday.

He said the RHPU3 agents were conducting anti-carnapping patrol along the national highway in San Antonio when they spotted the car. A verification with the HPG Motor Vehicle Information System showed that the vehicle is included in the HPG list of wanted stolen motor vehicles

Espina said the car was stolen at gunpoint by unidentified men near the Danarra Hotel in Panay Avenue, Quezon City on August 28, 1997. The vehicle’s registered owner Dominador Jalosjos reported the incident to the police.

The possessor of the stolen vehicle identified as Pepito Bildan, a resident of San Antonio is now being investigated by the RHPU3.

The other vehicle, a Honda CRV (WMJ-654) was impounded 1:20 p.m. last Friday by the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Division headed by Supt. Ferdinand Gil Tria after a record check showed that it was stolen while parked unattended along Morong Street in Tondo, Manila, in February 2001.

Espina said the CRV’s current possessor identified as Darwin Mercado went to the Eastern Motor Vehicle Clearance Section to verify the records of the SUV. He was subjected to an investigation after a record check showed that the CRV is a stolen vehicle as reported by its registered owner Candy L. Go.

Espina said charges are being readied against the possessors of the two recovered motor vehicles.