JOHN AMORES of NorthPort Batang Pier and his brother, John Red, posted a combined P34,000 bail after being charged with attempted homicide on Friday, September 27.
The brothers surrendered to Lumban police early Thursday morning of Thursday following a shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna.
According to Police Major Bob Ordiz of Lumban Police, Amores was witnessed attempting to shoot someone he had previously engaged in a fistfight with during a basketball game in Barangay Salac, Lumban.
Lumban police released CCTV footage showing Amores and his brother was blocked by Lee Calcada, before the PBA player alighted from his motorcycle and shot him. Luckily, Calcada sustained no injuries.
In a separate video released on Spin.ph’s Facebook page, the PBA star was seen arguing with the victim while on board a motorcycle being driven by his brother.
Following the shooting, the suspects fled to Pagsanjan, Laguna, using the same motorcycle that the PBA player’s brother was driving.
“Meron silang tawag na hindi napagkasunduan. Naghamunan ng suntukan sa Brgy. Salac then naunang umalis itong suspect natin tapos sumunod iyong victim,” Police Major Ordiz said.
“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,” he added.
Amores tested negative for gunpowder residue in a paraffin test, according to Ordiz.
“Although negative yung lumabas na result hindi naman po ito nagpapatunay na hindi siya nagpaputok ng baril, ‘yun nga po dahil may iba-ibang factors kung bakit walang presence ng gunpowder nitrate ‘yung kamay.”
The Firearms and Explosives Office is currently investigating if any firearms are registered under Amores’ name. The arraignment and pretrial proceedings are scheduled for December 4, 2024.
Fumbled the second chance
Almost two years ago, the NCAA suspended Amores indefinitely when he went on a punching rampage during a game between his collegiate team Jose Rizal University, and College of Saint Benilde on November 8, 2022.
Despite the NCAA incident, Amores received a second opportunity at basketball and was able to play in the PBA after being picked by NorthPort in the fifth round, 51st overall, in the 48th season draft.
Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial expressed dismay at the news, but stated that they had no control over the situation.
“This is a matter subject of investigation by the police, and we cannot comment on it. But we are saddened by such an unfortunate incident,” said Marcial.
