Ex-PBA star, 2 others nabbed for drugs

MANILA, Philippines -  Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Paul “Bong” Alvarez was arrested after he was caught using shabu with two other men at a barbershop in Quezon City Saturday night.

Alvarez and his two companions were collared in the Friend Estima Barbershop along Anonas Extension in Barangay Sikatuna Village at around 8:10 p.m. by police officers serving a warrant of arrest against him.

The warrant, issued by Judge Don Ace Alagar of the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 42, was for a case of slight physical injuries after Alvarez allegedly punched another customer at a bar along Sgt. Esguerra street in Barangay South Triangle in October 2016.

The former basketball player was jailed but was out on bail. He was issued an arrest warrant after he reportedly refused to attend hearings, the police said.

The two other suspects were identified as Mohammad Dana, 29, and Ray Allan Cruz, 36, who were allegedly seen using shabu with Alvarez in the shop.

Five sachets said to contain P15,000 worth of shabu and drug paraphernalia were seized from the suspects.

The three tested positive for illegal drugs, according to the police.

Charges for the violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were filed against the three suspects.

Quezon City police said Alvarez has various pending cases, including a violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, two other physical injury cases and a case of adultery.

Alvarez was dubbed “Mr. Excitement” during his heyday with the Alaska Milkmen team in the PBA. He was a one-time member of the pro-league’s Mythical First Team.

On May 11, another former PBA player, Dorian Peña of the GlobalPort Batang Pier, along with two others, was arrested in a drug bust in Mandaluyong City.