Cagers’ attackers charged

The two Filipino-American suspects in the mauling and stabbing of PBA rookie Jeron Teng and two other basketball players in Taguig City were charged yesterday before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported.

NCRPO Director Guillermo Eleazar said frustrated homicide and slight physical injury charges were lodged against Edmar Lacanlale, 40, a general construction contractor; and Williard Basili, 37, a construction inspector. Both suspects are residents of Putatan, Muntinlupa.

Twenty-four-year-old Teng of Alaska Aces, Norbert Torres, 28, playing for Rain or Shine; and former La Salle Green Archers’ Thomas Torres were wounded during a brawl outside a bar in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. The three were already out of danger and recovering.

However, Eleazar said the cases filed against the suspects are all bailable.

The NCRPO chief also said the victims were given extra security to ensure their safety.

At the same time, he reminded the public not to let the alcohol take the best of them when drinking liquor.

“Pwede namang uminom pero kung tayo ay iinom, ilagay sa tiyan at huwag sa ulo at dapat pagdating d’yan walang mainit na ulo dahil sigurado, mauuwi ito sa problema,” he said.

Citing the report from Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Tomas Apolinario Jr., Eleazar said the three cagers met the suspects outside the Early Night bar in BGC, Taguig.

Apparently, the suspects recognized and called the basketball players. The players then confronted the suspects.

“Based sa investigation, pagdaan ng basketball players ay na-meet nila doon sa labas ng bar ang suspects tapos tinawag silang idol. Pero siguro ‘yung response na ‘yun is hindi expected so nagbigay ng mga hindi magagandang salita at pati na rin ‘yung kasama nila ay nilait pa. Doon na nagsimula,” Eleazar said.

He said no special treatment will be given to the Fil-Am suspects.

“Dito sila gumawa ng kalokohan, dito natin sila idedemenda,” Eleazar said.