Meralco team suffers double black eye as dugout gets ransacked

MANILA, Philippines – Things couldn’t get any worse for Meralco.

Not only that the Bolts saw the game get snatched away from them by erstwhile winless Global Port, an unknown thief stole valuable items inside their dugout at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“I lost my wallet, I lost my IPad, I lost my IPhone, I lost everything. I lost my credit cards, my money and the more important thing is I lost all my files in coaching and my files in my corporate work and the saddest thing is that when you just use a card you can open the back door (of the dugout),” said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio, whose sling bag was recovered near the fire exit.

“They found my bag but the only things left were medicine and my car keys at least my puso pa,” added Gregorio.

Among the others who were victimized were assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc and shooting coach Xavy Nunag and conditioning coach Mon Macatangay.

“I don’t want to speculate. They’re investigating now but the damage has been done and it’s painful,” he added. “They can take away my material things but the files those are things I worked hard for. The worst part of it was I got so distracted and we lost the game.” Meralco lost after squandering a 92-78 lead.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud has released a statement addressing the incident.

“It’s indeed unfortunate they just have to tighten the security measure and improve their response procedures.”

“I am confident the MOA Arena management can immediately rectify their shortcomings and ensure the safety of the teams and fans the full indemnify in full the victims of today’s theft and robbery.”