In a follow-up operation conducted by the operatives of the District Anti-Carnapping Unit (DACU) of the QCPD in Sta. Cruz, Manila, a car that had been reported missing for several months was located.
The owner approached the authorities to report that back in July, he had entered into a transaction with a man who expressed interest in buying the car.
“It was under a so-called ‘pasalo’ arrangement, meaning he transferred his rights to the vehicle to the buyer. However, they agreed that if the buyer failed to pay the bank, the vehicle would be returned. But this did not happen; instead, the buyer absconded with the car,” explained PEMS Dennis Telen, the chief investigator of the QCPD-DACU.
In October, the owner filed a complaint against the man for violating the New Anti-Carnapping Act at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
The car had already been pawned to another individual for ₱300,000.
The police successfully recovered the vehicle.
To avoid falling victim to the “pasalo” scam, authorities advised the public to exercise caution in transactions.
“In all transactions, there should be bank oversight to ensure that their agreements are legal. Without the bank’s involvement, assuming mortgages could lead to problems,” Telen added.