Abalos tells those behind license plates theft to surrender
MANILA, Philippines — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has called on the members of a syndicate that stole license plates from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) plant to surrender.
According to initial reports, the group sells the stolen plates at a price range of P5,000 to P10,000.
READ: LTO workers nabbed for stealing vehicle plates
“Sa mga grupong ito, sumurender na kayo. Dahil maski saan, tutugisin namin kayo. Tigilan niyo na ito (pagnanakaw ng plaka) at nabisto na kayo,” Abalos said in a press conference on Friday.
(To these groups, surrender now, because we will pursue you everywhere. Stop stealing plates; you have been found out.)
He made the statement after three LTO personnel were caught by authorities trying to steal the license plates.
The official also said that criminal charges will be filed against the suspects and that they are still investigating other members of the syndicate.
Abalos also cautioned those who may want to buy vehicles to check their license plates to see if they are valid.
“Ito’y babala sa lahat ng bibili (ng sasakyan): huwag kayong umasa sa pakita lamang ng plaka. I-check niyo muna sa LTO kung may laman ang QR code ng mga ito,” he said.
(This is a warning to vehicle buyers: don’t rely on the appearance of the license plate. Check with the LTO if the QR codes are valid.)
READ: LTO revokes license of viral QC road rage driver
