Marawi City cop exec nabbed for ‘hot car’

ILIGAN CITY — The Highway Patrol Unit of the Philippine National Police in Cotabato City is now preparing charges against a police official for owning a ‘hot car.’

Captain Santos Libres Monares, deputy commander of Marawi City police station, was arrested in Marawi on Tuesday after failing to present the official receipt and certificate of registration in relation to his possession of a white Ford Everest vehicle.

The vehicle was also seized from his possession.

Major Jemar delos Santos, information officer of the Bangsamoro Police Regional Office, told the Inquirer by phone that Monares even failed to present his driver’s license when quizzed by police operatives.

Delos Santos said absent the basic ownership documents, the vehicle seized from the possession of Monares is a “hot car,” which means it could have been stolen from its true owners.

Delos Santos disclosed that Monares told police operatives that he bought the car, with temporary plate number IK 3400, from a fellow police officer, Captain Ramces Cartajena, who is assigned at Police Regional Office 10.

According to Delos Santos, the vehicle’s registered owner is from Sta. Ana, Manila, upon verification with the Land Transportation Office.

Monares could face charges of violating anti-carnapping and anti-fencing laws while Cartajena is being investigated, said Delos Santos. /lzb