NCRPO: No crime wave amid oil crisis

MANILA, Philippines — Amid speculations that the energy crisis maybe fueling a spate of criminal activities, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) sees the “gas-and-run” cases in Quezon City as isolated incidents.

Two suspects, identified only as Tyron and Ricky, were arrested on Monday after they fled without paying P1,500 worth of fuel at a gas station in Barangay Payatas.

Police have launched a manhunt for the third suspect.

Maj. Hazel Asilo, spokesperson for the NCRPO, said the suspects escaped out of necessity.

“Since they use their vehicles for livelihood, this is their way not to reduce their income,” Asilo said on state-run PTV.

The incident had gone viral after closed-circuit television footage of the gas-and-run was posted on social media.

The incident in Barangay Payatas was the second gas-and-run case recorded in Quezon City amid the energy emergency due to the Middle East conflict.

The first incident took place on March 22 when a motorist sped off without paying a full tank of diesel worth P5,196.45 at a gasoline station in Barangay Apolonio Samson.

“These are just isolated incidents,” Asilo said. “Since prices of fuel are going down, we are not seeing more incidents like these.”

Police advised personnel of gas stations to be on alert, especially the pump attendants, to avoid these cases.

Authorities also urged the managements of gasoline stations to ensure that their closed-circuit television cameras are working.

Police encouraged gas stations to have at least two pump attendants working at any given time – one who will transact with customers and another who will check on their identities and vehicles.