By CESAR JOLITO III

The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has clarified that a reported “gas and go” incident in Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City was not a case of fuel evasion.

In a statement, LTO-NIR said the clarification came after a prompt investigation conducted by its Intelligence and Investigation Unit.

The probe found that the incident involving four vehicles stemmed from a misunderstanding rather than an intentional failure to pay for fuel.

One of the vehicle owners directly coordinated with LTO-NIR and confirmed that no evasion took place.

Further verification by authorities established that the situation does not meet the criteria of a “gas and go” case.

LTO-NIR officer-in-charge Regional Director Jeck Conlu reiterated the agency’s findings, emphasizing that the issue had been misinterpreted.

The agency also urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information online, advising individuals to verify facts first to prevent the spread of misinformation and unnecessary public alarm./CJ, WDJ