‘Heckler' off the hook; probe ends

PBA PHILIPPINE CUP SEMIS

- JONAS TERRADO

Meralco’s Reynel Hugnatan understands why fans were quick to point to him as the one who uttered the controversial remarks heard during the live broadcast of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal game against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last Sunday.

Fans on social media identified Hugnatan as the member of the Meralco squad that shouted, “Ref, lutong-luto ah” early in the fourth quarter of Ginebra’s 91-84 win at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

The words were heard loud and clear in One Sports’ broadcast seconds before Hugnatan was seen arguing his case after being called for a technical foul for continuous complaining, which led many to believe the comments came from him.

Appearing on teammate Jammer Jamito’s vlog Tuesday, Hugnatan sees where the fans, particularly those rooting for Ginebra, are coming from.

“Siyempre di naman natin sila masisisi kasi mga fans sila ng kabilang team,” Hugnatan told Jamito. “Siyempre ganun talaga, susuportahan mo talaga team mo kahit hindi ka sure na ano ba yung totoo dun.

“Pero kung team mo yun, bahalana. Kung baga diba, ano masabi nila, OK na yun,” Hugnatan also said.