FILE – Efren Bata Reyes during the 30th Southeast Asian Games. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes was allegedly apprehended for violating COVID-19 lockdown protocols when police caught him playing pool.
Several videos that have been shared through social media show police and local barangay officials confiscating billiards equipment and apprehending Reyes, 66, who was seen playing without a mask.
Police in the video claim that the games were held “without a permit.”
Reyes was also seen playing against a still unknown player.
Audio in the video suggested that Reyes along with the other people in the pool hall were brought to the barangay hall for breaching lockdown protocols.
Sports are still prohibited a year after the Philippines went into lockdown with only professional sports leagues the only ones allowed to operate under strict bubble environments.
Reyes, who’s a senior citizen, is part of the age group strongly discouraged to leave their respective houses amid the pandemic.
With over 70 international titles won, Reyes is widely regarded as the greatest pool player of all time.