The driver of a fuel tanker 'held up' in Pavia, Iloilo did not traverse his regular route on the night of the incident. 

His change of route has further raised suspicion on his participation to the incident, Pavia Police said.

An investigation of the Pavia Police had it that Ronnie Juarez, the driver of a fuel tanker of a transport cooperative, did not follow his regular route.

He was earlier reported to have been held up in Barangay Pandac, Pavia town.

Based on the investigation, the regular route of the fuel tanker from Barangay Balabag is Aganan-Circumferential Road going to the garage of the transport coop in Barangay Pandac.

However, on the evening of February 10, 2025, the route was not followed reportedly.

Instead, Juarez took the irrigation road far that is dark and from residences. This happened when Juarez has P300,000 (in coins) to remit to the cooperative.

His sudden change of route that night raised question on his motive.

“Medyo unusual ang ruta para sa magdadala ng pera na pinag-utusan nila,” Major Harold Rendora, chief of Pavia Municipal Police Station, said.

Earlier, the police said that the holdupping incident was possibly an “inside job” or done for personal gain.

Once it is established that the suspects set up the crime, the incident will be considered a case of qualified theft.

As of this writing, the police have identified one suspect based on positive identification by his colleagues.

Workmates of the suspect identified him to be a driver of the same transport cooperative.

It was further learned that the suspect has been with the coop for nearly a year.

“Matagal na rin siyang nagwo-work pero ang questionable kasi is nakita mo na yung nangyari. Imposible na hind mo makita kasi magkasunod lang sila,” Rendora said.

The Pavia Police have mulled on a reenactment of events so the fuel tanker driver can narrate the incident clearly and accurately.

“Titingnan po natin kung mga sinasabi niya is nagco-correlate sa kung ano ang na-i-reenact natin,” Rendora added.