Chua's aide found dead

MANILA, Philippines - The lifeless body of Barako Bull ballclub staff member Joenare Pedal has been recovered, a day after his boss Tony Chua was found dead in the wake of storm Ondoy’s rampage.

Pedal’s body was fished out yesterday morning in a creek inside Filinvest Subdivision in Cainta, two kilometers away from where he was swept away by fast currents.

Raffy Casiao, Barako Bull’s alternate representative in the PBA board, said Pedal’s body was bloated.

“Up to the end, the two were together,” said Casiao of Chua and his long-time aide.

Chua was with Pedal and his driver on the way home to Filinvest when he got stuck in traffic Saturday evening.

Opting to set out on foot, the three were a few meters away to the subdivision when Pedal was swept by swirling water and sucked into an overflowing creek.

Chua and his driver were able to cling to a tree but the former wasn’t able to hold on before rescue arrived.

The affable Barako Bull top official was leading the preparations for the PBA Hall of Fame Awards on Oct. 9 at the Shangri-La Makati at the time of his death.

“He’s the man behind the preparations for the forthcoming formal dinner for the PBA Hall of Fame awards. How I wish he’s still around to see the fruit of his project,” said Ginebra alternate governor Robert Non.

PBA commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios said a special tribute to Chua is forthcoming.

“We’re going to discuss how best to honor him. No concrete program yet but we’ll definitely have a tribute for him,” said Barrios.

PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial said it could be included in the Hall of Fame program.

The PBA is to enshrine a third batch of honorees to the Hall of Fame. The new batch includes former board chair Honeyboy Palanca, the late commissioner Jun Bernardino and players Allan Caidic, Ricardo Brown, Samboy Lim, Hector Calma and Bobby Parks.

Meanwhile, more friends made personal tribute to Chua whose remains lie in state at Sanctuarium on Araneta Ave. 

“Tony is a good guy, in and out. He’s very transparent,” said Casiao.

“He is certainly a big loss not only to his family, friends and the PBA but the entire sports community. We’ll miss his friendship, wisdom, wit and sense of humor,” said Rain or Shine governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon.