Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes explains presence at billiards event, says he wasn’t arrested

Billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes clarified on Sunday that he wasn’t arrested in San Pedro, Laguna after getting caught playing at an exhibition game amid the pandemic.

According to Sunday’s “24 Oras Weekend,” Reyes said he only accompanied those who were called to explain to the barangay officials.

He added that they weren’t arrested, but were just reprimanded and allowed to go home shortly after.

Reyes also said he had been invited to join the exhibition game and assumed that it had obtained a permit.

The report added, however, that Reyes is a senior citizen, which means he is not allowed to go outside of his home, unless for essential activities.

A video showing Reyes seemingly being arrested by the police for violating COVID-19 protocols circulated online earlier today.

Last year, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allowed non-contact sports such as badminton and tennis in areas under general community quarantine.

The government also allowed practices and conditioning for basketball and football as it granted the appeals of the Philippine Basketball Association and football associations. — Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News