MARCH 27, 2026 — A brazen “gas-and-run” in Quezon City has sparked outrage after a Toyota Innova driver filled up with over ₱5,000 worth of diesel and sped off without paying, leaving the pump attendant to shoulder the loss. Police are now tracking the suspect, as a similar case has been reported in Cebu.

Past midnight on March 22, at a gas station along Edsa in Barangay Apolonio Samson, a driver asked for a full tank of diesel. The attendant complied, but once the tank hit ₱5,196.45, the Innova bolted southbound without settling the bill.

“Tinanong ko kung magkano, sabi niya po full tank daw po sagad … Then sinara ko na po yung gas tank niya. Tapos ayun po tumakbo na po siya,” the attendant recounted. 

(I asked how much, he said full tank all the way … Then I closed the gas tank. That’s when he sped off.)

The NCRPO confirmed the incident, noting that the unpaid amount was deducted from the attendant’s wage. 

Maj. Hazel Asilo explained that the worker couldn’t catch the plate number or the driver’s face since the window was barely rolled down. Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño later revealed that the Quezon City Police District already has details of the vehicle and is conducting follow-up operations.

This isn’t an isolated case. Authorities cited a similar “gas-and-run” in Cebu where the motorist was eventually caught. The PNP is now pushing for tighter coordination with fuel stations, hinting at a disturbing trend amid rising fuel prices.

Fuel stations may need stricter protocols — like requiring upfront payments or installing clearer CCTV angles. Still, isn’t it absurd that, these days, filling up a tank can leave an attendant running on empty? And in this particular case, why was the attendant left to foot the bill? Sounds too unfair and quite exploitative, if you ask me. 

(Image: NCRPO)