The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its monitoring across the country against so-called gas-and-run incidents, as part of efforts to prevent these from becoming a common modus operandi.
PNP Chief's Statement
In a statement on Friday, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that recent cases of gas-and-run, including those reported in Metro Manila, are still considered isolated incidents. However, he clarified that authorities are closely analyzing patterns of such crimes to curb their spread.
“While we treat these as isolated cases for now, we are not letting our guard down. We are analyzing the patterns to ensure this doesn’t evolve into a common modus operandi,” Nartatez said. He warned that all recorded incidents will receive swift investigation and prosecution.
Recent Arrests
On April 21, police arrested two individuals in connection with a gas-and-run case at a fuel station in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. The incident occurred at around 3:10 a.m. on April 20, when a driver of a white Toyota Vios filled up with PHP 1,500 worth of gasoline before speeding off toward Barangay Commonwealth without paying.
During a press conference, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said a total of three suspects in the case have been charged with theft. /TPM / Sunstar Philippines
