A 42-year-old woman wanted for car theft charges was apprehended on Sunday morning in Barangay Irawan by officers from Police Station 2, following the issuance of a court-ordered arrest warrant.
Identified only by her alias “Marites,” the suspect, who is reportedly single, unemployed, and a resident of Barangay San Miguel, was arrested on May 19 pursuant to a warrant issued by Judge Ryan Hartzell Cariño Balisacan of the Regional Trial Court Branch 51 in Puerto Princesa.
She is facing a criminal case for violation of Section 3 of Republic Act No. 10883, otherwise known as the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, under Criminal Case No. 44626.
The Puerto Princesa court recommended bail at PHP 300,000 for her temporary release.
Police confirmed that the woman is currently in the custody of Station 2 while proper documentation and legal procedures are being prepared.
Authorities did not disclose the specifics of the alleged offense, including when or how the suspected carnapping took place, citing the pending status of the case. No additional suspects were reported in connection to the same charge.
RA 10883, which imposes heavier penalties on car theft and related offenses, was enacted in response to the growing number of carnapping cases in the Philippines. Under the law, those found guilty could face up to 30 years in prison, depending on aggravating circumstances such as the use of violence or the involvement of organized groups.
As of press time, it remains unclear whether the suspect has secured legal counsel or will post bail.
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