LUCENA CITY, Philippines — Authorities arrested a suspected carnapping suspect during a follow-up operation on Maharlika Highway in Brgy. Silangan Mayao, Lucena City on the afternoon of January 4, 2026. The operation was a joint effort of the Quezon Provincial Highway Patrol Team and the Lucena City Police, resulting in the successful recovery of a stolen AUV.

According to initial reports, the victim had temporarily stopped at a roadside store in Brgy. Kanlurang Mayao to buy a drink, leaving the vehicle keys inside the AUV. The suspect reportedly took advantage of the opportunity and drove off with the vehicle. Upon receiving the report, authorities immediately launched a pursuit. Thanks to timely information provided by concerned citizens, the stolen vehicle was spotted in a nearby barangay, leading to the arrest of the suspect and the vehicle’s recovery.

The suspect is now in the custody of the Lucena City Police and is facing charges under Republic Act 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in swiftly addressing vehicle theft, noting that citizen vigilance played a key role in this operation.

While the recovery of the AUV and apprehension of the suspect is a positive outcome, the incident highlights a broader challenge: opportunistic crimes like carnapping often exploit simple lapses in security. Even brief moments of carelessness can have serious consequences. As law enforcement strengthens its response and communities remain alert, the question remains: how can both citizens and authorities work together to prevent vehicle theft before it happens, rather than just reacting after the fact? (Larawan: Facebook)