Ex-PBA player Bong Alvarez arrested for illegal drug use

MANILA, Philippines – Former PBA star Paul “Bong” Alvarez has been arrested once more, this time for illegal drug use, according to a report from the District Special Operations Unit.

The police report said Alvarez was busted Saturday night, June 3, when he was caught red-handed during a “pot session” at Friend Estima Barber Shop in Anonas Extension cor. V. Luna Street in Brgy. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.

The report said he was with two other males identified as Mohammad Dana and Ray Allan Cruz.

Police were initially out to to nab Alvarez with a warrant of arrest for slight physical injuries issued by the Hon. Judge Don Ace Mariano Alagar of Municipal Trial Court Branch 42. But authorities caught Alvarez in the act using illegal drugs, particularly shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), during the operation.

This is the second time in less than two months that the former 16-year PBA veteran has been arrested. In April, he was picked up in Baguio City for injuring his live-in partner.

A video posted by ABS-CBN News on Twitter shows Alvarez inside a cop car.

This is another chapter in Alvarez’s repeated run-ins with the law over the years.

In 2007 he was alleged to be involved in a domestic dispute with his wife Almira Mulhach, and she later reportedly expressed interest in obtaining a temporary restraining order.

That same year Alvarez was arrested for allegedly beating a taxi driver, and then was accused of elbowing TV reporter Gretchen Malalad in the face when she sought to obtain comment from him about the incident.

Last October Alvarez was arrested after allegedly brawling during a drinking session in Quezon City.

The high-flying Alvarez played for various teams in the PBA including the Alaska Milkmen for 3 years after they drafted him fourth overall in 1989.

A product of San Sebastian College, Alvarez was named to the PBA Mythical First Team in 1990. He earned the nickname “Mr. Excitement” for his high-flying and entertaining dunks. – with a report from Bea Cupin/Rappler.com