MANILA — The driver involved in a reported gas-and-run incident in Quezon City over the weekend has surrendered to authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday night.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the suspect, identified only as alias “Michael,” 39, apologized to the gas station attendant and paid P1,500 for the fuel he allegedly failed to pay.

Tuaño said that based on the suspect’s statement, Michael believed he had already settled the payment using his credit card. However, the attendant denied receiving any credit card transaction.

Tuaño added that the suspect will face an estafa case in connection with the incident.

The May 3 case marked the third reported gas-and-run incident in Quezon City in recent months. In March, a transport network vehicle service driver allegedly fled with P5,000 worth of fuel in Barangay Apolonio Samson, while in April, three individuals reportedly escaped without paying P1,500 worth of fuel in Barangay Payatas.

Meanwhile, separate anti-illegal fuel operations led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of P3.79 million worth of petroleum products in Corcuera, Romblon.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the suspects were caught transporting petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) without permits from the Department of Energy.

Authorities also said the suspects failed to present authorization from LPG brand owners for cylinder refilling, making the operation illegal.

Seized during the operation were 153 LPG-filled cylinders, 145 containers of petroleum products including unleaded gasoline, one motorized banca, and one wooden-hulled cargo vessel used to transport the items.