Former Allacapan, Cagayan mayor Harry Florida denied allegations surrounding a viral social media video showing a man chasing an SUV, saying the incident was not a “gas-and-run” case and that the man seen running after the vehicle was not a gasoline station attendant.

The video drew public attention after claims circulated online that Florida had allegedly left a gasoline station without paying after refueling. But the former mayor said the story was false and clarified that he did not buy fuel and did not flee from any gas attendant.

Florida also said he owns the gasoline station involved in the issue.

According to him, the man in the video was identified as Tyson, a native of Pampanga who had been living with his family for around three decades after being displaced by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

“Si Tyson kasi sidekick. Kasa-kasama ko lang talaga,” Florida said.

“Biglang nakita kami na palabas kaya hinabol kami,” he added.

He added that the incident shown in the video was part of their usual playful interactions.

“Kung minsan, nagkukulitan kami niyan. Daming mga kulitan, dami naming ginagawang vlog. Daming ginagawang eksena,” he said.

Despite his explanation, Florida apologized to those who may have been offended by the video.

“Pasensya na po kung sa mata ng iba ay hindi po nakakatuwa sa inyo. Pero ‘yun po ay sa aming dalawa po ‘yun. Sa amin po ‘yun,” he said.

“Wala po tayong magagawa kung ganun po ang inyong pananaw. Eh, humihingi po tayo ng paumanhin,” he added.

Earlier, the Land Transportation Office issued a show cause order against the three people onboard the SUV, including Florida. Authorities also suspended the driver’s license for 90 days and placed the vehicle under alarm while the investigation continues.

Florida said he would respect whatever decision the government makes.

“Kung anuman ang parusa na gagawin ng ating gobyerno sa amin dahil lang sa maling video na ‘yun ay nasa sa inyo na po ‘yun. Nirerespeto namin kung anuman ang magiging pasya namin dahil ako rin po ay naging public servant,” he said.

He also clarified that Tyson later rode with them in the vehicle and joined them for snacks at a nearby eatery after the incident.