Philippines 3×3 wheelchair team roll into ASEAN Para Games semifinals

The Philippine men’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball team didn’t just win at the 13th ASEAN Para Games — it sent a statement.

With composure, chemistry, and control, the Pilipinas Warriors secured an early spot in the semifinals after sweeping their first two games on Monday at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, showing that their campaign is built on more than just momentum.

Anchored by team captain Kenneth Tapia alongside Alfie Cabañog, Jannil Cañete, and Fel Lander Dawal, the Filipinos wasted little time asserting themselves, dismantling Indonesia with a lopsided 20-3 win that effectively removed any doubt about their intentions in the tournament.

Head coach Vernon Perea said the emphatic opening performance allowed the team to dictate how the rest of the day unfolded.

“In the first match, we had Alfie and Kenneth running the game very smoothly so iniwan lang natin. We got the chance to finish it early kasi we’re expecting a close match against Malaysia,” Perea said. “Luckily, we came out as the winners.”

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ATING SUPORTAHAN ANG MGA ATLETANG PINOY

Let’s rally behind our Filipino para athletes as they proudly represent the country in various sporting events at the #ASEANParaGames2026 Thailand, happening from Tuesday, Jan. 20 to Monday, Jan. 26, streaming LIVE on Pilipinas Live! pic.twitter.com/2w1RY4NWOp

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 19, 2026

That preparation paid off in the Warriors’ second outing, where they fended off a tougher Malaysian side, 11-7, with Cabañog stepping up when it mattered most by scoring seven points in the win.

With two victories secured, the Philippines turned its attention to a showdown with host Thailand at press time, a matchup that will decide the tournament’s top seed and potentially shape the road to the gold medal.

While the men cruised with confidence, the mood on the women’s side was far more urgent.

The Pilipinas Lady Warriors found themselves on the brink after absorbing back-to-back defeats — a 2-14 loss to Thailand followed by a narrow 5-8 setback against Laos — putting their medal hopes in jeopardy in a compact three-team field.

National team coach Harry Solanoy acknowledged the challenge ahead, stressing that precision and urgency are now non-negotiable.

“Ang kailangan, talunin namin ng by four points ang Laos kung matalo sila ng Thailand,” Solanoy said, noting that the tournament format leaves no room for error, with the bottom team walking away empty-handed and without a bronze medal.

As the men push forward with confidence and the women fight to stay alive, the Philippines’ wheelchair basketball campaign at the ASEAN Para Games continues to reflect both the highs of dominance and the harsh realities of international competition — where every possession can redefine a season.

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