A man seen holding an axe during a chase in Barangay Bagong Nayon, Antipolo City. (Screengrab from Ecko Rich/Facebook)
Police arrested a man seen in a viral video chasing another person while holding an axe in Barangay Bagong Nayon, Antipolo City.
The suspect, identified as “Raymond,” became known online as “Boy Palakol” after the video circulated on social media.
The Antipolo Component City Police Station said the incident occurred along Marcos Highway in the Blue Mountain area on the night of June 6.
Police immediately launched an investigation through Police Community Precinct 2 after the video spread online.
Based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and witness statements, a group of minors allegedly threw stones that struck several houses and establishments in the area.
The incident alarmed residents, prompting some of them to confront those involved. Police said the group fled and scattered as residents chased them.
One part of the viral video showed the suspect holding an axe while pursuing another individual along the road.
In a follow-up operation on June 7, police arrested “Raymond” and informed him of his rights. He is now under the custody of PCP-2 while documents are being prepared for the filing of appropriate charges.
Antipolo police said the investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and identify other individuals involved.
In a statement, Mayor Jun Ynares thanked the Antipolo police for acting on the incident. “Salamat sa pag-aksyon, PNP Antipolo (Thank you for taking action, PNP Antipolo),” he said.
Ynares also warned those planning to cause trouble or commit violence that such acts are punishable under the law and will not be tolerated by authorities.
The mayor urged the public to immediately report crimes or disturbances to authorities.
Authorities also reminded the public to report crimes or disturbances promptly and avoid taking the law into their own hands.