MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Ateneo Blue Eagles center Chibueze Ikeh was taken into police custody at Araneta Coliseum following the team's victory over the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, November 4, a police spokesperson confirmed to Rappler.
Ikeh was taken to the QC Police District headquarters in Camp Karingal, Quezon City, where he was placed under arrest and charged with violating Republic Act 9262, known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004."
A police spokesperson tells Rappler that a warrant had been issued for Ikeh's arrest, and that his bail has been set at P24,000.
According to a report by The Tiebreakertimes, the policemen met with Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol, Ateneo Athletics Director Emmanuel Fernandez, assistant coach Yuri Escueta, Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo, Ateneo big man Chibueze Ikeh, and the unidentified woman.
The reports indicate that the meeting took place for two hours. After that, Ikeh and an unidentified woman entered a white Starex van with the policemen and left the venue.
"Nothing to do with the UAAP"
The policemen, some of whom were in uniform while others were in civilian clothes according to Spin.ph, were reportedly looking for a player of the Blue Eagles.
“It’s just a private matter. It does not involve Ateneo basketball and it has nothing to do with the UAAP,” Fernandez told the media about the issue.
“Well, it’s regarding one of our students,” he said, without confirming any specific player. "That’s it. I’m not allowed to say anything.”
As of posting time, team manager Quimpo has not replied to Rappler’s text message about the issue.
This isn't the first time a topic of controversy has surrounded the team. Just last month, second-year player John Apacible was suspended after a drunk driving incident.
According to lawphil.net, the RA 9262 is defined as:
“Any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.” – Rappler.com