The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has made it clear that staging crimes, or any form of “prank” for social media engagement, especially on public roads, is not something it intends to ignore.

Just recently, the LTO issued a subpoena against the registered owner and driver of a Green GSM taxi used in a viral “birthday holdup prank” video that circulated on Facebook. The clip, uploaded by the page Da Siblings and Da Siblings 2.0, showed what appeared to be a robbery scenario unfolding inside a moving taxi. After the video reached the LTO, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao ordered an investigation to determine the identities of those involved and check for possible violations of transport regulations.

According to the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID), investigators were able to identify the taxi featured in the video. The agency also said the content appeared to show coordination between the participants and the driver in staging the prank.

As a result, both the registered owner and the designated driver were directed to appear before the IID and explain their involvement in the incident. They were also instructed to submit documents and other evidence related to the case.

For the LTO Chief, the issue goes beyond an ill-advised prank. “Hindi dapat gawing libangan o content ang mga sitwasyong may kaugnayan sa krimen. Ang paghoholdap ay isang seryosong usapin na maaaring magdulot ng takot at pangamba sa publiko. Ang anumang content na isinasagawa sa pampublikong lansangan ay dapat isaalang-alang ang kaligtasan, kaayusan, at kapakanan ng iba,” said Lacanilao.

(Situations involving crime should not be turned into entertainment or content. Robbery is a serious matter that can cause fear and anxiety among the public. Any content created on public roads should take into consideration the safety, order, and welfare of others.)

The LTO again warned that the pursuit of online fame, A.K.A. “for the views,” does not justify actions that may alarm the public or endanger other road users.