by Jonas Terrado
The PBA is expected to beef up security measures for Game 6 of the Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday after a fan dressed in a Spiderman costume entered the court during Magnolia’s 88-86 win over San Miguel Beer at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Marcial said he will request the Araneta management and NCRPO chief Guillermo Eliazar for additional security in order to avoid a repeat of the incident that took place with 3:08 left in the fourth quarter.
“Kakausapin ko Araneta kung pwedeng dagdagdan security at tatawagan ko si Gen. Eliazar kung pwedeng magdagdag ng pulis kasi ngayon lang nangyari sa amin to,” Marcial said.
The suspect was brought to QCPD Station 7 minutes after streaking the court and flashing a banner, eventually colliding with Beermen star June Mar Fajardo who was hit in the jaw.
Coliseum bouncers and policemen eventually apprehended the suspect, who later said his only intention was to spread a message of love before Monday’s elections.
Investigators later found out the suspect had brought multiple banners placed on his backpack.
An alleged accomplice, later identified as Flenn John Lola, was also arrested after trying to retrieve the suspect’s backpack from the San Miguel bench which prompted the Beermen’s Kelly Nabong to confront Lola.
A third man, who witnesses said was angered with the suspect’s entry, was also arrested punching Lola from the stands. He and Lola were also brought to Station 7 for questioning.
There have been incidents of fans entering the court in the past but not as daring as the guy who turned to be not as elusive as Peter Parker