PBA player John Amores surrenders to police

PBA player John Amores surrendered to authorities early Thursday after being involved in a shooting incident in Laguna.

Amores surrendered together with his brother at around 2 a.m., according to Bea Pinlac's report on Unang Balita.

The PBA player refused to comment on camera as he was asked about the shooting incident.

Amores is facing a charge of attempted murder and will undergo an inquest proceeding today.

Heated argument

Investigation showed that Amores and the victim, identified as Lee Cacalda, were playing basketball in Barangay Salac when they got into a heated argument.

"Meron silang tawag na hindi napagkasunduan. Naghamunan ng suntukan sa Brgy. Salac then naunang umalis itong suspek natin tapos sumunod iyong victim, hanggang umabot sila sa Brgy. Maytalang at doon sila nagpang-abot. naghamunan ulit ng another na suntukan. then si John Amores ay may dala nang baril at pinaputukan na yung ating victim," said Police Major Bob Louis Ordiz.

(They had an argument about the officiating. A fight ensued in Brgy. Salac, then our suspect left and the victim followed until they reached Brgy. Maytalang. Another fight ensued after John Amores again challenged the victim while carrying a gun which he later used.)

The victim didn't sustain any injuries.

Authorities say Amores threw away the gun he used as they surrendered due to "threats."

"Nag-voluntary surrender po siya sa ating station at dahil.. nagkakaroon ng threat sa kanilang buhay. Sa kanilang pareho. Iyon lang po ang napagdesisyunan nila na natatakot na sila sa kanilang seguridad," sabi ni Ordiz.

(He voluntarily surrendered at our station because... they were recieving threats to their lives. That was their decision because they are worried about their safety.)

In 2022, Amores became controversial for punching a player during a collegiate game.

The PBA, meanwhile, said it was "saddened" by the incident.

"This is a matter subject of investigation by the police, and we cannot comment in it. But we are saddened by such unfortunate incident," PBA commissioner Willie Marcial told GMA Integrated News in a message.

--VAL, GMA Integrated News