11th ASEAN Para Games: Philippines gets first medal with silver in men's 3x3 wheelchair basketball

The Philippines took its first medal from the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia as it settled for silver against Thailand, 21-12, in the men's 3x3 wheelchair basketball finals on Sunday.

Prior to the finals, the Philippines lost to Thailand, 21-7, and dominated Cambodia, 20-4.

National team coach Vernon Perea said they are happy to get the country's first medal despite the loss in the finals.

“Thailand is really known for its outside shooting and although we prepared for it we did not expect them to be that hot early,” Perea said.

“We are very happy to win the first medal for the Philippines and thankful for the opportunity and hope that this will spark our drive for more medals,” he added.

Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo was also happy with the win despite this being the first 3x3 wheelchair basketball team formed by the country.

The team is composed of Alfie Cabañog, Rene Macabenguil, Kenneth Christopher Tapia, Cleford Trocino, and John Rey Escalante.

Meanwhile, the women's 3x3 wheelchair team lost to Laos, 4-0, in a bronze medal match.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News