LTO-NIR probes another unpaid fuel case

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region is investigating another alleged fuel-and-run incident at a gasoline station in Barangay Taculing on Wednesday, April 15.

LTO-NIR Director Jeck Conlu said the agency has identified the registered owner through the vehicle’s plate number, which was captured by a closed-circuit television camera.

Authorities have yet to identify the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The driver allegedly fled without paying PHP6,000 for fuel.

The Intelligence and Investigation Unit issued a show cause order Friday, April 17, against the registered owner of a Nissan Terrano.

The case follows a Feb. 27 incident in which a sports utility vehicle driver also left a gasoline station in Barangay Mansilingan without paying PHP500.

LTO-NIR earlier issued a show cause order to the owner of that SUV, but authorities have yet to determine who was driving the vehicle at the time.

The agency warned that such acts, if proven, may constitute misconduct and violations of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, as well as possible criminal liability.

If identified, Conlu said the driver’s license of the person behind the wheel may be suspended for three months pending further investigation.

The concerned parties were directed to submit a verified explanation within five days.

The agency also urged the public to report similar incidents as it continues to enforce road discipline and accountability.