Mac Cardona in stable condition after sleeping pill overdose

This is a developing story.

MANILA, Philippines – NLEX Road Warriors veteran Mac Cardona is in stable condition after overdosing on sleeping pills, his agent Danny Espiritu confirmed to Rappler on Sunday, August 21.

According to Espiritu, the 34-year-old is currently asleep at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center in Las Piñas, but is not in a coma.

Espiritu did not confirm if Cardona tried to take his own life, saying it is tough to make speculations until the PBA player can confirm what happened once he wakes up. 

A Sports5 report had quoted a source as saying that Cardona tried to commit suicide and “has been suffering from depression.”

Cardona, a former star in the UAAP for La Salle, also posted photos showing prescription pills on Instagram on Sunday. The photos have since been deleted.

A report on DZMM also said Cardona and his live-in partner, Bianca Cabildo-Jackes, have been having domestic issues. They got into a heated argument at their home in Merville Subdivision last Friday, and were brought to a police station for questioning.

In an interview with DZMM, Cardona’s sister Rowena shared that the last conversation she had with her brother gave the impression that he was saying goodbye.

“Sabi niya, ‘Sorry, ate, hindi ko na kaya,'” Rowena said. “Nararamdaman ko na may balak siyang gawin sa sarili niya.”

(He said, “Sorry, big sister, I can’t take it anymore.” I felt that he had a plan to hurt himself.)

Rowena also said that Cardona did not point a gun at Jackes.

“Isa iyon sa ikina-depress sa kapatid ko na nag-trigger sa kanya na gawin ‘to sa sarili niya. Sarili naman niya ang sinaktan niya.”

(That’s one of the triggers that caused my brother to do this. He ended up hurting himself.)

The Road Warriors have also come out with a statement on Cardona.

“We urge the public to allow Macmac and his family to have privacy at this difficult time,” said team manager Ronald Dulatre.

“Macmac is part of the NLEX Road Warriors team. We are providing whatever assistance he needs from us during this time. Thank you.”

Cardona was placed on the team’s reserve list this Governors’ Cup conference. So far, this season, he’s been averaging 4.1 points and 1.9 rebounds a game. – Rappler.com