by Jonas Terrado
The man arrested for entering the court wearing a Spiderman costume apologized for causing disruption during Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, saying that his only intention was to spread the message of love.
The suspect caused a scene with 3:08 remaining in the fourth quarter of Magnolia’s 88-86 victory over San Miguel Beer at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when he entered the court before colliding with June Mar Fajardo.
Fajardo eventually crumpled to the floor after being hit in the jaw.
“Wala akong balak (saktan si June Mar) kasi ang message ko nga po pagmamahalan,” the suspect said, claiming the mask made it difficult for him to see Fajardo.
He was later apprehended by security but not before being hit by SMB’s Christian Standhardinger, Chris Ross and Ronald Tubid, who tried to punch the suspect as he was being brought to the Big Dome hallway.
The man kept refusing to reveal his name even after being questioned at the QCPD Station 7, only identifying himself as a person active in charity work.
An alleged accomplice was arrested for trying to retrieve the suspect’s bag which was later discovered to have contained banners namely “Vote Love”, “God Bless Us All” and “Support PBA”.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the league will file charges against the suspect and has requested additional security from Araneta management and the NCRPO.
San Miguel’s Arwind Santos, nicknamed “Spiderman”, couldn’t help but find humor on the incident.
“Akala ko nga kaya siya pumasok kasi tutol siya sa pag-ban ng ‘Spiderman Dunk’,” said Santos, referring to his trademark dunk which was outlawed by the league before the start of the season.
