Two vehicles whose license plates did not match records of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) were seized in Cagayan after they were allegedly used to tail and chase the team of Allacapan Mayor Harry Florida.

The Cagayan Police Provincial Office launched an investigation after incumbent Mayor Harry Florida reported that two suspicious vehicles followed his staff while they were traversing the national highway on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Initial police reports said the incident began in Pamplona and escalated into a brief chase. The vehicles, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a pick-up truck, were cornered eventually in front of the Claveria Police Station.

In a Facebook post, Florida said he rushed to meet his staff after learning they were being followed.

“Nang makarating kami sa Barangay Pata, Claveria ay dun namin sila nakasalubong, at tama nga, sumusunod pa rin sila sa aming mga staff, at dun na nagkagitgitan at nagkahabulan, hanggang ma-corner sila sa Claveria Police Station,” he said.

“Kami ay nagpapasalamat parin sa Poong maykapal at hindi niya kami pinabayaan,” he added.

Police reports said one vehicle was driven by a civilian with three passengers later identified as police officers. The second vehicle was also driven by a civilian and carried one policeman and two civilians.

Police also found the license plates attached to both vehicles did not match their records in the Land Transportation Office database.

Both parties agreed to leave the vehicles at the Claveria Police Station for further investigation. A search warrant is being prepared.

In a statement, the Cagayan Police said they are now determining if any laws were violated and are ready to file criminal or administrative charges if enough evidence is found.

“Kasalukuyan pang isinasagawa ang malalimang imbestigasyon upang matukoy ang mga motibo sa likod ng insidente at kung may naganap na paglabag sa batas, at handang magsampa ng kaukulang kasong kriminal o administratibong sa sinumang lumabag sa batas, kung may matibay na ebidensya,” it read.

The police assured the public of a fair and impartial investigation, especially as the election period continues.

“Layon ng aming hanay ang pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan, kaayusan, at ang patas na pagpapatupad ng batas, lalo na ngayong panahon ng halalan,” the statement added.

Florida urged the public to reject any form of intimidation.

“Mga kababayan tigilan na ang ganitong uri ng sistema,” he said.