By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - July 27, 2008
Far Eastern University and UAAP officials remain mum on the shooting incident of player Mac Baracael but confirmed that the star Tamaraw forward will be out for the 71st UAAP basketball season and that some Tamaraws are mulling on leaving the team.
Baracael, who is still in the ICU of the Capitol Medical Center, is recovering from a gunshot wound inflicted by an unknown assailant late Thursday.
Baracael, a third-year standout, suffered a damaged lung and an injured lip.
The incident sent shrivers to key FEU players and head coach Glenn Capacio bared that Robert Kave, their player from papua, New guinea, wants to return home.
"Si Robert, natatakot na siyang lumabas, talagang mahirap yung effect at trauma sa bata dahil 19 years old lang siya at iba ang culture niya pero sana mag-stay siya," Capacio said after FEU’s 71-69 win over University of the East last night.
"If Robert leaves wala na kaming big man so pinapasa-Diyos ko na lang yan kung anung desisyon ni Robert, if he stays, good for us, if not gagawa kami ng paraan," said Capacio.
Capacio, however, said that Ron Cabagnot, who was with Baracael when he was shot, looked like he has recovered from the incident.
FEU representative to the UAAP Board Anton Montinola was relieved that Baracael survived the incident but he also refused to speculate on any motive -- such as game-fixing, gang-fighting, or any other case – that precipitated the attempt on Baracael’s life.
Montinola added that Baracael will spend an unspecified amount of time in the hospital, which certainly means that the FEU forward, who averaged 10.8 points in four games this season, will miss the rest of the season.
"Mac will be in the hospital for a very long time," Montinola said.
Baracael reportedly is under heavy security and only a few individuals are allowed to visit him. His father and close relatives are also in his bedside.
Meanwhile, UAAP president Dr. Sergio Cao of host University of the Philippines refused to discuss anything about the matter until a report has been released.
"We cannot say anything as of now until there’s a final report," Cao said.
League commissioner Chito Narvasa said that off the court incidents are not under his jurisdiction but suggested strict security measures at the venues.
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