BAGUIO CITY - Paul “Bong” Alvarez, a retired Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star, is facing charges for allegedly beating up his 38-year old girlfriend while on vacation in the city.

Alvarez, 48, was arrested on Sunday morning for violating Section 5. (A) in reference to Section 6 (A) of Republic Act 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and their children, which states that “acts causing physical harm to the women or her children shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Penal Code.”

Baguio City Police Office Station 4 investigator, SPO4 Martin Guidangen, said their team was prompted to respond at a transient house located in Purok Curidao, Loakan Proper after receiving a call from a concerned citizen at around 2:15 a.m.

“May tumawag po sa amin na concerned citizen through landline at sinabing may nag-aaway na magkasintahan doon sa Purok Cudirao and meron nga. Nagresponde yung mga kasamahan namin,” said Guidangen.

Based on the police blotter, there was “a heated confrontation between the Alvarez and his girlfriend resulted (in) multiple abrasion sustained by the complainant on her face, right forearm, and (abdomen)."

Alvarez stayed at Baguio City Jail until Monday. He was released after posting a P20,000 bail.