MANILA – Retired PBA player and current Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) official Ramon Fernandez admitted seeking security detail from the Philippine National Police (PNP) following his word war with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

Fernandez recently met with PNP chief director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in Camp Crame.

“Matagal na kami dapat mag-meet, kasi 'yung mga ka-mistah niya kabarkada ko rin sa Cebu. 'Yung isang mistah niya wedding anniversary ngayong May. Magii-sponsor ako pati na si General Bato,” said Fernandez on Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City.

Fernandez said he has decided to ask for a bodyguard as advised by PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

“Nagpunta na ko (kay Dela Rosa) para na rin humingi ng security. Sinabi na rin ni chairman sa 'kin in Cebuano, 'Mon, mag-amping mo (mag-ingat kayo).’”

Fernandez, a 19-time PBA champion and 4-time MVP, has been critical with the way Cojuangco has been running the POC, which handles the accreditation of national athletes competing abroad.

The POC president retaliated by accusing Fernandez of throwing away games during his playing years with Toyota in the PBA. This prompted Fernandez to mull legal action against Cojuangco.

“He didn't have the chance to prove that in the proper forum and I'm bringing him to court to Cebu City to answer all his accusations," said Fernandez, who was appointed as one of the PSC commissioners last year.

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