The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified nationwide monitoring of so-called “gas-and-run” incidents, tightening coordination with local units and business establishments to prevent similar cases from spreading.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said recent incidents, including those in Metro Manila, are still being treated as isolated, but police are closely analyzing patterns to ensure the modus operandi does not become widespread.
“While we treat these as isolated cases for now, we are not letting our guard down,” Nartatez said. “We are analyzing patterns so this does not become a common criminal scheme. Every incident will be met with swift investigation and arrest.”
The directive aligns with instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who have called for more proactive and technology-driven approaches to crime prevention.
Recent cases include the arrest of two suspects by the Quezon City Police District on April 21 in connection with a gas station incident in Barangay Payatas. Authorities said a motorist driving a white Toyota Vios allegedly pumped fuel worth about P1,500 at around 3:10 a.m. on April 20 and fled without paying, heading toward Barangay Commonwealth.
Police said this was the second reported gas-and-run case in Metro Manila within a month. On March 22, a 27-year-old ride-hailing driver surrendered after allegedly leaving a gas station in Balintawak, Quezon City, without paying a fuel bill worth P5,196.
Nartatez said police units have been ordered to increase visibility, particularly in 24-hour establishments and other high-risk areas. Local commands were also directed to strengthen coordination with private businesses to improve CCTV coverage and enable faster reporting and response.
“Our police visibility and patrols are being intensified, especially around fuel stations and other 24-hour businesses,” he said. “We are working closely with owners as partners in security and integrating technology such as CCTV networks to speed up tracking and identification.”
He warned that even minor thefts would not be tolerated.
“You may think it is a small amount of fuel, but the law will catch up with you. There will be consequences,” he said.