Alleged leader of car theft gang rearrested

MANILA, Philippines–Police has caught anew the alleged leader of a notorious car theft gang inside the residence of his in-law in Caloocan City.

Joemel Salvatierra was arrested Monday night by Caloocan City policemen for illegal possession of firearms, making this his third arrest since 2012.

Tagged in the 2012 theft of former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr.’s vehicle, Salvatierra was the alleged leader of the Salvatierra carnapping group that have been preying on cars in Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila since 2010.

In February 2012, Salvatierra was involved in the taking of a Hyundai Tucson in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

After two thefts, the suspected gang leader was arrested in March 2012 with four others at a safehouse in Baliwag, Bulacan.

Salvatierra and his accomplices were apparently able to post bail for their previous arrests.

Quoting Senior Superintendent Bernard Tambaoan, media reports said the car theft gang was also involved in stealing and possessing loose firearms.

RELATED STORIES

Car theft gang falls; vehicles recovered in Bulacan raid

Suspected ring leader tagged in carjacking of ex-senator Pimentel’s van