Video shows Efren 'Bata' Reyes' billiards game getting shut down

Efren "Bata" Reyes gave more details to shed some light into the billiards event he attended in San Pedro, Laguna last week.

In Chino Trinidad's report for "24 Oras," the pool legend explained why exactly he ended up in the barangay hall with authorities.

Reyes previously clarified that he was not arrested. It turned out that he was invited to the barangay hall for the billiards fans who came to see him in the exhibition game.

"Kinausap kami ngayon kung puwede sumama muna kami sa barangay para bigyan ng suporta itong mga kasamahan mong kabataan na in-idolize ka para pangaralan lang doon sa barangay at bibigyan sila sa warning," he said.

A video circulating online showed Reyes, his opponent, and other people at the billiards event. The 66-year-old sports icon was seen not wearing a mask and those watching the game were also not practicing social distancing.

In a letter to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), Reyes explained that protocols were initially observed during the event, but news of his presence attracted more and more people.

Reyes, 66, apologized for the breach of safety protocols, admitting that he did not have control of the situation.

He said the police were also concerned about his safety at the event.

"Asikasuhin lang natin ito kasi itong player natin 'yung nagdadala ng karangalan dito sa ating bansa. E naglalaro dito baka mahawa sa inyo sa dami ninyong 'yan, hindi na ba kayo naawa diyan," he quoted the police as saying.

—MGP, GMA News