Na-viral ang Takbo, Sumuko Rin: QC “Gas-and-Run” Driver Faces Estafa Rap

The driver linked to a viral “gas-and-run” incident in Quezon City has surrendered to police after days of public attention online. Authorities identified the suspect only by the alias “Jefferson,” a 27-year-old resident of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

According to Quezon City police, Jefferson appeared at the La Loma Police Station with family members after investigators pieced together the case using CCTV footage and coordination with other agencies. The incident happened at a gas station along Balintawak, EDSA, where he allegedly got a full tank of diesel worth P5,196 and then sped away without paying.

Police said the suspect stopped traveling and stayed away from social media after the incident blew up online, apparently unaware that law enforcers were already tracking him. Investigators also found that the vehicle involved had remained at his residence in Bulacan.

Authorities said they are preparing to file an estafa case before the City Prosecutor's Office. The report added that Jefferson apologized to the gas station management and expressed remorse, while also blaming high fuel prices and low earnings for what he did.

The case struck a nerve because it mixed two things Filipinos instantly react to: viral road behavior and the pain of rising fuel costs. But police made it clear that mahal ang diesel is not a free pass to run from a bill, so this one is now shifting from social media outrage to an actual criminal complaint.

Source: The Manila Times