Carjackers defy govt anew, seize SUV in QC

Carjackers struck for the third time in the last three days, taking a sport-utility vehicle from a residential area in Quezon City early Wednesday. A report by radio dzBB's Glen Juego said unidentified men forcibly took the keys of a black Mitsubishi Montero (PIH-155) at the house of one Mrs. Cerilles. "Pinasok ang bahay (at) kinuha ang susi ng sasakyan. Narinig ng kasambahay nagrerebolusyon, akala ng kasambahay isa sa amo niya. Hindi pinansin kaya sinarado ang gate," Police Officer 2 Archie Bucutan said, citing initial details of the incident. (The suspects managed to force their way into the house and got the keys. The household helpers heard the vehicle's engine being started, but may have thought their employer was behind the wheel, so they just closed the gate.) While it was not immediately clear if the men sneaked or forced their way into the house, police said they are not discounting the possibility of a new modus operandi used by carjackers. Wednesday's morning's incident occurred at the house along Maria Elena Street in Bahay Toro village in Quezon City.

On Tuesday, unidentified armed carjackers poked firearms at the driver of a red Mitsubishi Montero (PJI-328) just as it was being taken out of the garage in Makati City. On the other hand, police are still tracking down a Mitsubishi Strada pickup carjacked in Quezon City Monday. Unidentified armed men had blocked the path of the Strada in Baesa village in Quezon City Monday, and sped off with the vehicle — along with two of its passengers aged 9 and 16. Carjackers continued to operate despite a recent series of raids targeting mainly the Dominguez carjack gang, following at least two high-profile carjack-slays. Last month, carjackers killed car dealer Venson Evangelista as well as Emerson Lozano and his driver Ernani Sencil. Self-confessed suspect Alfred Mendiola linked Raymond Dominguez to both cases. — RSJ, GMANews.TV