CITY OF SANTO TOMAS, Batangas – Police arrested 18 persons for allegedly betting on a billiards game during the opening of a pool hall in Barangay San Pablo here on Tuesday, Sept. 13, where billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes was present.
The Batangas Police Provincial Office reported that intelligence operatives of the city police and the Batangas Provincial Intelligence Unit raided the place at 9:20 p.m. as part of the campaign against all forms of illegal gambling in the province.
Seized from the arrested bettors was bet money amounting to P17,020 and 570 euros.
Reyes, who was wearing his usual T-shirt and old jeans – said he was just a guest and was surprised when the attendees started betting during the billiards game.
“Bigla lang kasing natakot 'yung mga tao kasi may mga dumating. Bigla silang nagtakbuhan, napasama ako, nasasagi ako. Hinila lang ako ng isang pulis, parang nilagay lang ako sa isang tabi baka raw masaktan ako (People ran away when the police arrived. I was caught in the chaos and a policeman pulled me over to a corner so I won’t get hurt),” he said in an interview with GMA News’ “Unang Balita” on Thursday, Sept. 15.
After the raid, the former world champion was politely invited to the police station and explained his reason why he was there.
The many-time Philippine Sportswriters Association awardee was sent home as if nothing happened.
Reyes’ name was not logged by the police – a sign of respect to the “Magician” – who has brought numerous honors to the country.
He said as a result of the incident, he would be more cautious in accepting invitations from friends. (With a report from Manila Bulletin-Tempo Sports)