PBA team exec killed by raging waters

MANILA, Philippines - Tony Chua, the top official of the Barako Bull ball club who had served as chairman of the PBA board of governors, died in an accident at the height of tropical storm “Ondoy” Saturday.

Reports said Chua drowned after he was hit by a piece of wood while clinging to a tree at the height of the typhoon. His body was found yesterday morning.

He was with his driver and an assistant when the accident happened. The driver narrated that the assistant was the first to go when he was swept away by strong current. Chua was clinging to a tree when hit by a piece of wood, fell and drowned. The assistant was still missing as of press time.

Chua was with the Energy Food and Drink basketball team since its PBL days. He was Barako Bull’s representative to the PBA board at the time of his death.

The affable Barako Bull official served as the board chair during the 2006-07 season, succeeding Talk n Text’s Ricky Vargas and preceeded by Alaska’s Joaqui Trillo.

“I’m deeply saddened, shocked, emotional and totally lost for words to express grief. Tony was a friend, a phone pal and a buddy. He was the life of the party and no problem or difficulty unfazed him. I will miss him,” said Vargas

“Chairman Tony Chua was loved by all. He was a great person, always helping everybody all the time. He’s a big loss,” said Trillo.

“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of a dear friend. He will forever be missed by the entire PBA family,” said current board chair Lito Alvarez of Burger King.

“The PBA and I are saddened by the unexpected passing away of chairman Tony Chua. I’m personally affected as he was the one who welcomed me in my first day of work when I was appointed OIC in 2007. I’ve always worked well with him as he constantly wanted PBA to be in the limelight,” said PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios.

The other members of the board also paid tribute to their departed pal.

“The untimely passing of Governor Tony Chua is surely a great loss to the PBA. We will miss his energy and enthusiasm in trying to energize and revitalize the league. I condole with the family of Mr. Chua, a colleague and friend since our PBL days,” said Sta. Lucia’s Buddy Encarnado.

“He’s a great guy, a great friend who’ll surely be missed especially this coming weeks when the PBA opens its 35th season. He’s the man behind the preparations for the forthcoming dinner for the PBA Hall of Fame awards. How I wish he’s still around to see the fruit of his project,” said Ginebra’s Robert Non.

“I’m still in shock by the sudden and tragic death of my good friend Tony Chua. He is a big loss not only to us in the PBA, but to many people who he has touched by being a sincere and true friend. We deeply sympathize and condole with his family and the Barako Bull team,” said Purefoods’ Rene Pardo.

“He was a great loss. The league will miss his dedication and contributions to the board. To his family, my deepest sympathy,” said San Miguel’s Ely Capacio.

Former Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao also had only good words for his former boss. He said: “He was well liked by everyone in the basketball community. We were like family in the Red Bull organization. We remained very close even after my transfer to Burger King. I owe him a lot in my career as PBL commissioner and PBA coach.”

Chua played soccer during his high school and college days at Letran.

After his playing days, he turned to coaching and went on to become head coach of the RP ladies team. He also became vice president of the Philippine Football Federation.

Helpless

PBA assistant coach Koy Banal witnessed how Tony Chua met his tragic fate, killed by cascading water spawned by Ondoy.

The Banals and the Chuas both live in Filinvest subdivision on Marcos Highway, Antipolo.

Banal was helpless as he clung to a tree when he saw a man being rescued but lost his grip on a nylon cord before a rescuer could get hold of him.

“Koy was hysterical and shouting on the phone when he learned that it was Mr. Chua,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio in a text message.

According to Gregorio, Banal held on to a tree at the height of Ondoy’s rage up to 4:30 a.m. yesterday.