A gas station in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental became the scene of a fuel theft incident Tuesday when an SUV was filled to a full tank and its driver left without settling the bill, according to a GMA Regional TV One Mindanao report.
The pump attendant, who feared being held liable for the unpaid amount exceeding P7,000, filed a report with police after the vehicle drove off. The attendant also noted that passengers inside the SUV appeared to be laughing as it pulled away — a detail that suggested the walkout was deliberate.
Because the vehicle’s license plate was clearly captured, authorities were able to flag it and intercept it the same evening in Iligan City.
The registered owner of the SUV, however, told police he was not driving at the time of the incident. El Salvador City Police Station Assistant Investigator Senior Master Sergeant Lemuel Tecson confirmed the owner’s denial.
Despite that claim, the registered owner reached out to the pump attendant and arranged payment for the diesel that had been loaded into the vehicle.
Police have since returned the SUV to its registered owner. No formal complaint has been filed by the gas station owner, leaving the case in an informal resolution for now.
