MPD operative nabbed in alleged carnapping, coercion case

Another operative of the Manila Police District is facing charges after the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service launched a parallel administrative investigation following his arrest in connection with an alleged carnapping and coercion incident in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

PNP-IAS Inspector General Brigido J. Dulay said the police officer, identified as P/SSg. Patrick Ryan Gargallo, is assigned to the MPD District Headquarters Support Unit and detailed with its Forensic Unit.

Gargallo was arrested during a hot pursuit operation by responding police units on January 30, 2026. Seven other suspects were also arrested, while one suspect remains at large.

Initial investigation showed that the victim, a delivery rider, was allegedly lured through a fake booking request and forcibly taken along with his delivery vehicle by a group posing as police officers. Authorities said two of the suspects identified themselves as law enforcers, with one reportedly brandishing a firearm to intimidate the victim and seize control of the vehicle.

Investigators said the victim was taken from Manila to Cavite, where the vehicle was allegedly used in an illegal activity involving copper cables. The victim later managed to escape and reported the incident to authorities.

Three of the suspects were found to be minors and were handled in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law.

The police officer involved is currently in custody and undergoing inquest proceedings before the City Prosecutor’s Office, after the victim executed a sworn complaint affidavit.

Dulay said the suspect faces charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, as well as Article 282 (grave threats) and Article 286 (grave coercion) of the Revised Penal Code.

He added that the Internal Affairs Service is conducting a pre-charge investigation in preparation for the filing of formal administrative cases.