UAAP condemns Baracael attack

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board of Trustees strongly condemned the violent attack on Far Eastern University Tamaraw’s Marnel Baracael last July 24 and called for a full and quick investigation of the incident.

“While we are glad that Mac survived this blatant assault and wish for him a speedy recovery, we remain in shock that this unfortunate incident transpired,” the UAAP said in a statement.

It added: “The UAAP has espoused the values of sportsmanship and fair play in all its games and activities since its inception, and it reaffirms its commitment to this endeavor toward the proper formation of the youth of the land. Its affairs have no place for violence, much less the sort that can have tragic consequences.”

The league has urged a full and urgent investigation by the police and all concerned to prevent such an incident from happening again.

“We enjoin everyone to assist in the search for the truth and be one with us in the condemnation of this heinous act and all other forms of violence towards our athletes,” the UAAP said.

Baracael was shot by a lone gunman Thursday night in front of the Philtrust Bank at Morayta after the team’s practice at the FEU gym.

Police are still investigating the case.

Meanwhile, Philtrust Bank officials are expected to provide the investigators today the tapes of a CCTV (closed circuit television) camera which may have recorded the shooting incident and where the police can take a good look at the gunman and establish his identity.

After the shooting, the gunman casually walked away from the scene. A pedicab driver took Baracael to the Mary Chiles Hospital where he was pronounced in stable condition. He was later transferred to the Capitol Medical Center for observation and further tests.   – With reports from Joey Villar and Nestor Etolle