The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against the unauthorized use of recovered, stolen, and impounded motor vehicles following allegations raised during a Senate hearing that some vehicles under police custody were being used for personal purposes.
In a statement issued Saturday, October 31, the PNP-HPG stressed that all recovered and impounded vehicles must remain properly secured and accounted for until their lawful disposition or return to their rightful owners.
The warning followed concerns raised during a Senate Committee on Public Services hearing over allegations that certain recovered carnapped vehicles had remained in police custody for extended periods and may have been used by police personnel instead of being promptly released to their legitimate owners.
As part of its efforts to strengthen accountability, the PNP-HPG conducted a physical inspection and inventory of recovered and impounded vehicles at the Laperal Compound Impounding Area in Laguna on October 30.
The inspection sought to verify the actual presence and condition of vehicles under police custody, check the accuracy of inventory records, and prevent unauthorized use, removal, or tampering.
The PNP-HPG cited Memorandum No. 2025-049, which establishes policies and procedures for reporting and disposing of stolen, recovered, and impounded motor vehicles.
Under the memorandum, police personnel are strictly prohibited from using vehicles under police custody for personal benefit. The unauthorized removal, replacement, or cannibalization of vehicle parts and accessories is also prohibited.
The group directed all Regional Highway Patrol Units, field commanders, and operating unit heads to strengthen supervision, monitoring, documentation, and safekeeping of vehicles within their areas of responsibility.
They were also reminded to facilitate the timely processing of documents necessary for the lawful release of recovered vehicles to their rightful owners, subject to existing procedures.
The PNP-HPG warned that personnel found violating these policies would face appropriate administrative sanctions and, when warranted, criminal proceedings.
It emphasized that no police officer would be exempt from accountability regardless of rank, position, or assignment.
Under PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Highway Patrol Group Director Brig. Gen. Joyce Patrick Sangalang, the organization said it continues to strengthen internal controls and improve procedures for vehicle recovery, custody, and disposition.
Meanwhile, the PNP-HPG urged the public to report incidents involving police personnel allegedly using recovered, stolen, or impounded vehicles for personal purposes.
Individuals with relevant information were encouraged to coordinate with the group’s official communication channels for verification and appropriate action.
The agency assured the public that legitimate complaints would be investigated in accordance with established procedures, with due consideration for the confidentiality and safety of those reporting suspected violations.
The PNP-HPG said it would continue reviewing its vehicle custody procedures and addressing concerns over the handling of recovered vehicles to maintain accountability and public trust.
