ALTHOUGH his hometown is not directly affected by the conflict in Zamboanga City, RR Garcia remains concerned about family and friends as the battle rages between the military and the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF).
The Far Eastern University guard said he was fortunate his parents were in Manila when the fighting erupted up South, although Garcia said he has relatives and friends back home who are still affected by the situation.
“Kasi ‘yung mga kapatid ng mama ko, andoon. Timing naman na andito sila (parents). Pero uuwi sila sa Monday kasi naka-book na sila ng ticket,” said Garcia, whose home in Zamboanga is about 20 minutes away by car from the main battle point of Barangay Sta. Barbara.
“May kapitbahay kami, natamaan ng ligaw na bala. Ex-Army siya, nagtaka nalang siya na may dugo na siya. Malapit siya sa mga evacuees,” Garcia shared.
It is for this reason that Garcia wants to help his home province in his own little way as he intends to appear in Sunday’s fund-raising charity basketball game for Zamboanga evacuees at the Astrodome featuring PBA players and celebrities.
Garcia, however, said he is still unsure whether he will play or not since FEU is in the middle of its preparations for its Final Four match-up against De La Salle in the UAAP.
“May charity game, hindi ko pa alam kung puwede maglaro kasi baka bawal,” said Garcia, the collegiate league’s MVP in 2010.
Asked about the matter, FEU coach Nash Racela said he will allow his star guard to appear in the charity game but hopes Garcia won't overextend himself.
“Puwede niya sigurong puntahan because it’s for a good cause. Pero of course, kailangan din niya magpahinga,” Racela said.
“I’ll allow him to go pero hindi naman siguro siya maglalaro ng matagal,” added the FEU coach.
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