PNP: Motorists who gas up and run face charges
The Philippine National Police on Tuesday warned motorists against resorting to the “gas and run” scheme, saying they would face charges like the ride-hailing app driver who fled after gassing up in Quezon City but later surrendered to authorities.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the case, while it involved a single suspect, reflected a “broader need for vigilance, especially as fuel-related complaints can escalate if left unaddressed.”
“Let us not take advantage of this challenge to disregard the law. We urge everyone to let discipline and respect prevail. Otherwise, we will make sure that you [will] be held accountable,” he said in a statement.
So far, it appeared to be an isolated case amid soaring prices of petroleum products.
The suspect, identified by the police only as Jefferson, 27, had his Toyota Innova filled up at a gas station on Edsa in Barangay Apolonio Samson in Quezon City on March 22, but drove away without paying the P5,000 bill.
The transport network vehicle service (TNVS) driver from Bulacan, turned himself him in to the La Loma Police Station of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Monday night. He faces charges of estafa.
Report nonpayment
Nartatez said he had ordered police officers to intensify their visibility, closely coordinate with fuel retailers and speed up the proper filing of charges to prevent a similar “gas-and-run” case.
He also urged the public to report incidents of nonpayment for fuel.
“The PNP … will continue to monitor incidents tied to essential goods and services [and] crimes driven by opportunity or hardship will be dealt with firmly under the law,” Nartatez said.
Before gassing up, Jefferson stopped several times to smoke and tinker with the car’s license plate, police investigation showed, citing CCTV footage.
