NORTHPORT Batang Pier can’t seem to get a break with its squad members’ off-court activities, as another player made headlines for an unfortunate reason on Tuesday, February 18.
According to media reports, Fran Yu is accused of pushing a barangay officer following an altercation about unauthorized parking that escalated into a scuffle in front of Barangay 350, Sta. Cruz, Manila.
This is according to the officials of Brgy. 350 resulted in harming or injuring the officials, as he claimed to have been pushed by the basketball player, forcing him to fall in a gutter and incur facial injuries.
Yu confirmed to the reporters that he was the player seen on CCTV tape. However, the Batang Pier floor general refuted the claims made against him, specifically that he was the one who started the scuffle.
Yu Sounds Off
The event occurred in front of a fast food restaurant located in San Lazaro, Manila. Yu exchanged words with the officials as he parked in front of an area that drew their notice.
Barangay Chairwoman Efleda dela Cruz then sent a tanod to warn Yu that he was not permitted to park in the designated space, which he questioned given how frequently he enters the restaurant and parks there.
“May parking doon sa Mang Inasal. Kakain lang ako, galing ako ng practice eh. Tapos ‘yung tanod kasi nila, ang pangit ng pasok sa akin. Ang taas ng boses manita na bawal nga raw ‘yung parking,” Yu told the media.
“Eh doon sa Mang Inasal na ‘yun, lagi akong kumakain dun, so kilala ako ng mga nagbabantay doon. Lagi akong nag pa-park sa spot na ‘yun, tapos ngayon lang may sumita sa akin,” he added.
However, the CCTV footage showed a couple motorcycles and an e-trike parked in the same location where Yu was barred, prompting supporters to question the legitimacy of the barangay’s laws.
Meanwhile, the discussion continued, but the former NCAA Finals MVP insisted on complying with the barangay’s parking restrictions. This is when Kagawad Victorino Farrales unexpectedly appeared.
The Messy Part
When the barangay tanod fell into the gutter, Farrales and other officials gathered around Yu. However, despite the unclear footage, the athlete disputed the accusation.
“Nagka-taasan ng boses, tapos nahulog ‘yung sumita sa aking tanod sa gutter, kasi may gutter doon eh. Nakita nung kagawad [Farrales], tinulak ko raw [yung tanod]. Eh bakit ko naman itutulak yun?” he said.
“Nahulog siya kakaatras niya eh. Dapat ililipat ko na ‘yung motor tapos hinawakan ako nung kagawad sa braso ko. Hindi ko alam kung sa kanan o sa kaliwa. Syempre bilang pag-protekta ko sa sarili ko, ayun. Akala nung kagawad tinulak ko,” he added.
After nearly ten minutes of conversation, Yu’s father arrived on the scene, just as everyone was debating the incident outside the barangay hall. However, this is also when things turned ugly.
According to CCTV evidence, Farrales was seen taking up a dustpan from a table outside and attempting to beat Yu’s father, prompting the other side to retaliate and cause further problems.
The former Letran star then punched the kagawad, protecting his father against what the barangay official was attempting to do.
Keep It Cool
In Yu’s defense, the incident was already handled well by him and the barangay tanod. Farrales, according to him, caused a lot of ruckus, which resulted in an awful situation.
“Hindi naman kasali talaga yung nagrereklamo [Farrales] diyan eh. Hindi naman siya part nung diskusyon namin na alisin ‘yung motor. Bigla siyang pumasok, tapos nagtatatalak doon,” he said.
“Kahit i-review doon sa CCTV sa Vertex One. Maraming nakakita doon sa mismong pangyayari. Maraming pwede ring mag-testigo about doon sa akin, sa side ko naman, doon sa Mang Inasal,” Yu went on.
Yu also told the reporters that the other party has yet to engage with him about the incident, but he is sticking to his side of the story. Chairwoman Dela Cruz further stated that the player’s side had already apologized.
The barangay official, on the other hand, has stated that he will file charges against Yu based on the outcome of the incident. Meanwhile, the footballer, like Farrales, is seeking medico-legal services.
