By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the strict enforcement of a “three-strike” policy for police station commanders as it intensifies its crackdown on fuel-related crimes following a series of gas-and-run incidents.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the directive comes after the third such case was recorded along Mindanao Avenue in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City.
Tuaño, however, maintained that the latest incident was just an “isolated” case, noting that nearly 80 suspects have already been arrested in connection with similar incidents nationwide.
“Umaabot sa kulang-kulang 80 ang ating mga naaresto kaugnay ng mga kasong nasabi natin pero ito sa Quezon City ito ay pangatlo, at nationwide pang-apat sapagkat meron nangyari sa Visayas (We’ve made more or less 80 arrests in connection with the cases we have mentioned, but this is the third time in Quezon City and the fourth nationwide, because a similar incident happened in the Visayas),” he said.
Based on the CCTV footage of the latest incident, which occurred at about 3:16 a.m. on May 3, an unidentified man driving a blue sedan fueled up and left the gasoline station without paying.
The attendant immediately reported the incident, prompting police to issue a flash alarm. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments to identify the suspect.
Investigators said the vehicle and its license plate have been identified, with follow-up operations ongoing.
Tuaño said under the three-strike policy, commanders in areas with repeated gas-and-run incidents will face consequences, including possible relief from their posts after the second and third offenses. (PNA)
