‘Si Tyson kasa-kasama ko talaga… pasensiya po… Ang video na inyong unang nakita ay edited. Ewan kung ano pakay ng nag-upload’ – former Allacapan Mayor apologizes, explains video taken out of context

Allacapan, Cagayan – Former Allacapan mayor Harry Florida has spoken out and issued a public apology amid intensifying online criticism over a viral video that allegedly showed a vehicle linked to him leaving a gasoline station without paying—an incident that remains under scrutiny.

To recall, the video, which quickly circulated on social media, appeared to show a man chasing after a departing vehicle, prompting speculation that the occupants had failed to pay for fuel. The clip drew widespread reactions online, with many netizens criticizing those involved and calling for accountability.

Florida, however, clarified the narrative in a video he posted on April 22, saying the clip was edited and taken out of context. He explained that the gasoline station shown in the footage is owned by him and maintained that no “drive-off” or unpaid transaction occurred.

“Ang video po na inyong unang nakita ay edited, yun po ang katotohan—edited po iyon. Ginawan na ng kwento na si Tyson ay gasoline boy at tayo daw ay nagpakaarga at hindi nagbaayad then tinakbuhan, pinaahabul pa si Tyson. Yun ang ginawang kwento, ewan ko kung ano ang pakay ng nag-upload kung gawing content or katatawanan or para lang makakuha ng views,” he said.

According to Florida, they had just come from a meeting at the station and were on their way to eat when the incident happened. He also clarified that Tyson Serrano is not a gas station attendant but a long-time companion whom he considers part of his household. He said Tyson merely ran after them to join their group for a snack.

Amid the controversy, Florida acknowledged the backlash, saying he and his family received a wave of online criticism and harsh messages following the video’s circulation. He appealed for understanding and urged the public not to immediately believe unverified information online.

“Si Tyson kasi parang kumbaga kasa-kasama ko talaga. Kumbaga sa Ilocano, ‘bulbullagaw mi.’ Andaming mga kulitan, ginagawang vlog at eksena… [kaya] pasensya na po kung sa mata ng iba ay hindi po nakakatuwa sa inyo. Sa mga judgmental na tao diyan, wala tayong magagawa kung ganyan po ang inyong pananaw. Humihingi po tayo ng paumanhin,” he said.

Supporting Florida’s statement, Attorney Roger Paz, an acquaintance, also spoke out through a video posted on his personal account, questioning the accuracy of the information that reached authorities. He criticized the Land Transportation Office (LTO), alleging that the report used as basis for its actions was incorrect or misleading.

Paz warned that circulating claims about an alleged unpaid fuel incident could be considered libelous and called on the agency to review its intelligence sources. He added that he personally witnessed the incident and insisted that no violation occurred.

Meanwhile, the LTO earlier issued a show cause order in connection with the incident, including a 90-day suspension of the driver’s license and a reported lifetime ban on driving for Florida. As of this writing, the LTO has yet to release an updated statement addressing both Florida’s explanation and Paz’s assertions, as public debate over the viral video continues.