A transport network vehicle service driver turned himself in to La Loma Police Station 1 on Monday evening following a fuel theft incident at a gasoline station in Balintawak, Quezon City on March 22, according to ABS-CBN News.
The gas station attendant who was directly affected by the incident said he has found some relief now that the suspect is in custody. “Panatag naman na po ako kasi sumuko naman na po siya,” the victim said. He nonetheless described lasting psychological effects from what happened. “Trauma po. Sa bawat karga ko, akala ko kung ano na eh. Kung tatakbuhin po ba. Hindi ako makapag-focus,” he added.
Police Lt. Col. Jose Luis Aguirre said investigators traced the suspect through backtracking, eventually reaching the vehicle’s owner. “Galing po siya ng Bulacan, nakausap po kasi namin yung may-ari ng sasakyan at kinausap niya ‘tong driver niya na sumuko nalang at para maibigay niya rin yung sagot niya sa mga katanungan natin,” Aguirre said.
At the police station, the suspect came face to face with the victim and offered an apology. “Humihingi po ako ng pasensya sa ginawa ko,” he said. He explained that dwindling ridership and high fuel costs had left him taking home only ₱100 to ₱150 per day. “Kasi wala po akong mauwing pera. Hindi na po ‘to mauulit,” the suspect said.
The suspect now faces an estafa complaint over the incident.
