Zamboanga Valientes take legal route after Nick Demusis assault in Dubai Invitational

What unfolded on the hardwood in Dubai has now spilled beyond basketball.

MLV-Zamboanga Valientes have elevated the incident involving forward Nick Demusis and Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez from an on-court altercation to a legal matter, filing a formal police complaint in Dubai following what team officials describe as a clear act of assault during a Dubai International Basketball Invitational game.

Valientes head coach RJ Argamino confirmed that team officials personally accompanied Demusis to a Dubai police station after the second-quarter incident in Al Ahli’s 110-103 victory early Wednesday. The decision, Argamino said, reflects the organization’s commitment to accountability—both within the sport and under local law.

In the aftermath, accusations surfaced online suggesting the Valientes failed to protect Demusis during the attack. Argamino firmly rejected that narrative, explaining that the team had been repeatedly reminded to comply strictly with United Arab Emirates laws governing public conduct.

“Hindi namin iniwan sa ere si Nick. Masyado mabilis pangyayari. And besides, I commend my players and the whole team for taking the high road,” Argamino said.

He added that the suddenness of the incident left little time for intervention, describing how other players were either turned away or engaged elsewhere when Romero Fernandez struck.

“If you look at the situation, Sam (Deguara) also turned his back to defend, Malik (Diouf) was talking to Dennis (Santos) when Romero suddenly attacked Nick, who was then down on the floor. And you saw Terrence (Romeo) approaching,” he said. 

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Not only should Meralco Easl import Ismael Romero be banned from the Dubai Int’l Invitational for kicking Nick Demusis in the head while on the floor but he could also face criminal charges for this violent act.

This has no place in bball and Fiba should penalize this hooligan. pic.twitter.com/uwCHslfqM2

— PBA insider (@PBAinsider) January 28, 2026

Rather than escalate the situation, Argamino revealed that Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro commended the squad for choosing restraint—even after Romero Fernandez allegedly delivered what was described as a “football kick” to Demusis’ head.

That restraint, however, does not mean the team intends to let the matter pass quietly.

Argamino confirmed that he is now coordinating with the United Arab Emirates Basketball Association to push for disciplinary action against Romero Fernandez, emphasizing that the incident crossed far beyond the boundaries of physical play.

“That was a clear assault. And it against the criminal laws of UAE. We hope Romero will realize the repercussions of his action. Ulo tinamaan si Nick. Football kick ang ginawa nya, nakahiga na yung tao,” he said.

“We hope there will be sanctions and punishments. What he did was totally unsportsmanlike and uncalled for,” he added.

Argamino also underscored the personal dimension of the incident, pointing out the troubling irony of a Filipino player being attacked by someone playing professionally in the Philippines.

“Gagawin namin yun. Naglalaro siya para sa isang team sa Pilipinas tapos gagawin nya yun sa isang Pinoy. There was really a bad intention. Twice na nya sinipa, aatakihin nya pa ulit,” he said.

Support for the Valientes’ legal move has come from Demusis’ family, with his wife, television host Rizza Diaz, condemning the assault that played out before a live audience.

“Ang tagal ko na nagco-cover ng basketball wala akong nakitang ganun. Grabe yung ginawa nya kay Nick. And he did that on live TV and in front of a hundreds of fans in the venue,” she said.

As investigations move forward, the incident stands as a reminder that while tempers may flare in competition, actions—especially on an international stage—carry consequences far beyond the final score.

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