Fake 'flash alarm' call used to carnap Korean national's van; driver arrested

A manhunt is underway for two suspects after arresting a driver who allegedly conspired with unidentified cohorts to carnap the vehicle of his own employer, a Korean national, using a fabricated police “flash alarm” call as part of a deliberate deception scheme.

Initial investigation revealed that at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 9 July 2026, the victim—a 43‑year‑old Korean national and real estate consultant—left his residence with his girlfriend and their driver aboard a black van en route to a restaurant along Escriva Drive, Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City. The driver remained inside the vehicle while the couple dined.

At 9:13 p.m., the victim received a text message from his driver requesting a callback. When the victim called, an unidentified man answered, falsely claimed to be a police officer, and asserted that the vehicle had been placed under a “flash alarm,” requiring it to be brought to a police station for verification. The vehicle was never returned, and subsequent investigation confirmed it had been unlawfully taken.

Acting swiftly on the report, personnel of Ortigas Police Sub‑Station 1, in coordination with the Anti‑Carnapping Unit, arrested the 57‑year‑old driver, who now faces complaints under Republic Act No. 10883, the New Anti‑Carnapping Act of 2016. His alleged cohort and another unidentified suspect remain at large.

Follow‑up operations by Ortigas Police Sub‑Station 1 and ANCAR are ongoing to recover the stolen vehicle and apprehend the remaining suspects.

The National Capital Region Police Office urged the public—particularly vehicle owners and drivers—to remain vigilant against schemes involving impersonation of law enforcement officers.