By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities have launched an investigation following a viral video showing a driver of a sports utility vehicle leaving a fuel station in Bacolod City allegedly without settling payment.

The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) confirmed that a show-cause order (SCO) has been issued to the driver in connection with the incident.

Footage circulating online showed the female driver onboard a vehicle departing a gasoline station in Barangay Mansilingan without paying for fuel worth P500 on February 27.

The SCO was served at the residence of the registered vehicle owner at Barangay Salvacion in Negros Occidental’s Murcia town.

Personnel from the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit, along with LTO officials, later contacted the respondent via phone to explain the contents and implications of the order.

Authorities reported that the process was carried out peacefully and without incident.

According to LTO-NIR, the document was received by a family member, as the owner was not present at the time of delivery.

The LTO-NIR emphasized that the move is part of its mandate to address complaints and viral reports involving possible violations of transportation laws and regulations./CJ, WDJ