DCPO ousts RMG, 96-92

Police Officer 1 Janwed Cagape used to be a member of the DMMA Dance Troupe.
And on Thursday night (November 19), he literally “danced” his way to victory by leading the Davao City Police Office in ousting the Regional Mobile Group in a thrilling 96-92 win in the Mayor Rody Duterte-Vice Mayor Sara Duterte/AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center.
Cagape, who tried out for college varsity teams but failed to make it, was the star of the night for DCPO Director Ramon C. Apolinario who enjoyed watching his players in the thick of the action.
DCPO occupies the No.2 spot in bracket A behind Bureau of Fire Protection. The City Mayor’s Office leads bracket B with Police Regional Office 11 at No.2 going to the semifinal round this week.
Cagape was everywhere that night. Shooting from every angle and even slicing through the defense of three RMG players on the way to the basket. In the first half alone, he buried 19 points and added 12 more in the final half to lead Davao’s Finest with 31 points.
Cagape received support from PO1 Joshwe Torregosa and Police Inspector Ronald Lao, who in crucial moments delivered the crucial baskets to keep DCPO in the lead.
RMG dropped a 10-point bomb and tied the game at 75-all in the thrilling fourth quarter with Police Senior Inspector Ralph Reyes, Alvic Bantilan, Daniel Campomanes, William Purugganan and Rommel Cameros leading the charge.
But Lao completed a three-point play, 78-75, then Torregosa scored back-to-back baskets, 82-75, four minutes remaining.
The neck-to-neck battle went down to the last three minutes when Campomanes buried a three-pointer for 84-84, but it was Lao, Torregosa and Cagape who carried the big load in the waning minutes.
RMG refused to give up with Police Inspector Kristopher Sabsal burying a three-pointer to cut the lead to just four, 92-96, but that proved to be their last gasp as DCPO coasted to victory.  “Sayang,” said RMG commander Col. Nestor Quinsay Jr. whose team entered the knockout round with a clean 5-0 win-loss card.
BFP, bannered by Fire Senior Inspectors Randolf Arbutante, Alex Pamaybay and Michael Dexter Navarro, Alvin Malinao, Ruel Ramos, Erwin Alcosaba, Brendon Buenaflor, Filbon Maligro, Anthony Agustin, Alexis Capitan, Kristian Coquilla, Jose Labor, Warlito Castillo, Joribel Kedlat, Dioscoro Baja Jr. Tarcisio Apog and Raymundo Sison, will enjoy a twice-to-beat privilege against Police Regional Office 11.
The PRO 11 colors are carried by Police Sr. Supt.Ronald dela Rosa, Police Chief Inspector Anthony Padua, Police Inspectors Arwin Gaffud and Archie Zozobrado, Edwin Josol, Walter Rabanes, Resty Go, Roberto Jaca, Edwin Awitin, Dante Simbulas, Dominic delos Reyes, Joconer Coronel, Robinson Palomares, Jerry Tugade Jr., Jesaac Ong, coaches Mike Maniego, Eng Dwal and David Ybalio Jr.
City Mayor’s Office, composed of Bong Go, Roy Bangkas, Ai Escoton, Marvin Mondigo, Eugene Labor, Ferdinand Pastor, Ariel Bonleon, Melchor Gadiano, Dioven Braga, Ryan Escorido, Jojit Duremdes, Cadel Mosqueda, Ryan Alquizar, Rodolfo Aleman and coach Roy Josol and Bert Malinao, will enjoy the same advantage when they meet DCPO. [Moses P. Billacura]