POLICE apprehended the 16-year-old boy who went viral on social media after being filmed dancing without pants while clinging to the side of a moving tricycle along Sumulong Highway.
According to Lt. Col. Mark Henry Garcia, officer-in-charge of Antipolo police, they were alerted by concerned citizens and social media users who tagged authorities in the video showing the teen in the act.
“May nakapag-upload sa social media ng video footage ng isang bata na nakasay sa tricycle at nakasabit siya sa bandang kanan at nakababa ‘yung shorts. And while nakasabit siya doon sa tricycle, ay nagkekembot at nagsasayaw. So it’s a scandalous act po,” Garcia said in an interview.
The police coordinated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to trace the tricycle using its plate number seen in the video. This led investigators to the owner and eventually to the teen himself.
“Na-determine naman po natin na authentic ‘yung video… upon determining kung sino ang may-ari ng tricycle, that’s the time na pinuntahan na po ng ating mga imbestigador ang bahay ng may-ari… at the same time, ‘yung mismong tao, ‘yung exhibitionist,” Garcia added.
The tricycle driver refused to speak to media but told police that he merely offered the teen and his friends a ride home.
The boy, now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), told investigators that the act was merely a prank.
“Based sa investigation… ‘yung bata na ito ay malakas mantrip so nung tinanong namin ay trip-trip lang daw ‘yung ginawa niya,” Garcia said, adding that the boy was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The minor may face a complaint for grave scandal. Authorities are also looking into possible charges against the tricycle driver if it is found that he allowed or encouraged the stunt.
