A viral video showing a man chasing an SUV in Allacapan, Cagayan has sparked an investigation, but a close associate of a former mayor involved in the incident disputed claims that it was a gas station theft.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) earlier issued a show cause order against three occupants of the SUV and suspended the driver’s license for 90 days, after reports claimed the vehicle fled without paying for fuel.

But a friend of former Allacapan mayor Harry Florida said the viral narrative was inaccurate.

According to lawyer Roger Real Paz, the man seen chasing the vehicle was not an elderly gas attendant but a 44-year-old acquaintance named “Tyson.”

He also denied that any refueling took place at the gasoline station, which is reportedly owned by the former mayor.

“Ang nangyari po ganito. Natapos ‘yung meeting namin doon sa gasolinahan. Umalis kami para mag-meryenda. Si Tyson, nandoon pero malayo sa lugar namin. Noong paalis na kami, naghabol ‘yan kasi gusto niya na sumama sa meryenda namin. Ngayon, dahil kababata namin ito — si Tyson kasi parang kapatid namin, kalaro at kasa-kasama namin — hinabol niya kami hanggang sa sumakay na rin siya sa sasakyan. ‘Yun po ‘yung pangyayari doon,” Paz said.

Paz said the individuals involved were close to each other.

“Siya (si Tyson) ay buddy-buddy namin. Ganun po ka-close ang relasyon nila kasi si Tyson ay lumaki sa kanila. Dahil buddy-buddy na niya noong bata pa siya,” he added.

The lawyer also questioned the basis of the LTO’s action, saying the suspension lacks legal grounds.

“Wala pong legal basis ‘yun. Kahit saan mo halughugin sa batas ng LTO, under RA 4136. Dito sa pangyayaring ito, walang nilabag na batas ‘yung driver. As a matter of fact, walang reckless driving,” Paz said.

He added that the LTO has no jurisdiction over the situation, as he claimed no traffic violation occurred.

Authorities have yet to release their official response to the claims. The former mayor has also declined to comment.