MAN STEALS POLICE CAR, ARRESTED

2 police officers to face investigation since the vehicle was stolen while under their care, PRO 7 says

A 25-year-old man was arrested a day after he allegedly drove away in a police car in the City of Naga, Southern Cebu.

Police arrested Ricarte Cantano in Barangay West Poblacion, City of Naga at 3 p.m. yesterday.

Cantano, a resident of Barangay Lutac, City of Naga, was alleged to have carnapped the vehicle while police were trying to pacify him and his 15-year-old live-in partner during a domestic dispute last Sunday.

Two hours later, police found the car in a quarry in Barangay West Poblacion.

Chief Insp. Roderick Gonzales, City of Naga acting police chief, said they received a tip from a concerned citizen of the suspect’s whereabouts.

Cantano will be charged with carnapping, which has a minimum prison sentence of not less than 14 years and eight months and not more than 17 years and four months.

Gonzales said they will also cooperate with the ongoing investigation by the Police Regional Office 7 on the carnapping incident.

Gonzales said that two of his personnel, PO2 Glen Conahap and PO1 Catherine Rose Tugaon, will be asked to explain why the patrol car placed under their care was stolen.

Police Regional Office 7 Director Debold Sinas has ordered an investigation on Conahap, the team leader, and his companion.

The two were relieved from Naga City Police Station and they will undergo drug tests.