PNP-HPG warns cops against using recovered vehicles for personal gain

The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has warned that police officers caught using recovered, stolen or impounded vehicles for personal purposes could face administrative and criminal charges, regardless of rank or position.

The warning follows allegations raised during a Senate hearing that some recovered stolen vehicles had remained in police custody for extended periods and were allegedly used by police personnel instead of being returned to their rightful owners.

On 30 October 2026, the PNP-HPG conducted a physical inventory of recovered and impounded vehicles at the Laperal Compound Impounding Area in Laguna to check their condition, verify records and prevent unauthorized use or tampering.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that recovered vehicles must be treated as property under lawful police custody, not as personal privileges of police personnel.

The PNP-HPG also urged the public to report officers suspected of using impounded vehicles or removing their parts without authorization, assuring that legitimate complaints would be investigated.