The Philippine men's national 3x3 wheelchair basketball team, known as the Pilipinas Warriors, has punched its ticket to the semifinals after a powerful opening day at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Dominant Start for the Pilipinas Warriors
Competing at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat on Monday, January 19, 2026, the squad delivered two decisive victories. The team, composed of captain Kenneth Tapia, Alfie Cabañog, Jannil Cañete, and Fel Lander Dawal, made an immediate statement by overwhelming Indonesia with a lopsided 20-3 win. Tapia led the charge in this opener, pouring in nine points to set the pace.
Head coach Vernon Perea highlighted the importance of this first-game performance. He noted that the smooth execution by Tapia and Cabañog allowed them to control the game and conserve energy, which was crucial with another match looming. "We got the chance to finish it early because we were expecting a close match against Malaysia," Perea explained.
Close Win Seals Semifinal Berth
The team's second game proved more challenging, but the Warriors showed their resilience. They edged out a determined Malaysian side with an 11-7 scoreline. Alfie Cabañog stepped up as the top scorer in this crucial contest, contributing seven points to secure the win and an undefeated record for the day.
With these two wins, the Philippines guaranteed itself a spot in the semifinal round. At the time the initial report was filed, the team was set to face host nation Thailand to determine the top seed heading into the knockout stages.
Lady Warriors Face Uphill Battle
In contrast, the Philippine women's 3x3 wheelchair basketball team, the Pilipinas Lady Warriors, encountered a tough start at the same venue. The squad suffered defeats in its first two outings, falling to Thailand (2-14) and Laos (5-8).
With only three teams in the women's tournament, the situation is critical. National team coach Harry Solanoy stated that the team must significantly elevate its performance to reach the finals. He outlined the specific requirement: "We need to beat Laos by four points if they lose to Thailand." The stakes are high, as the last-place team in the tournament will not be awarded a bronze medal.
The successful campaign of the men's team provides a bright spot for Philippine para sports, showcasing determination and skill on the regional stage as they continue their quest for gold at the ASEAN Para Games.
