Bulawan passes away after cardiac arrest at Blackwater practice

From Bulawan's Twitter account

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Blackwater forward Gilbert Bulawan died during the club's practice on Sunday.

Numerous reports said that Bulawan suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of a scrimmage, collapsing at the arms of Reil Cervantes.

The former San Sebastian Golden Stag was rushed to the Capitol Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival. He was 29.

A member of the Baste team to win the NCAA title in 2009 with Jimbo Aquino, Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual, and Pamboy Raymundo, Bulawan was selected in the second round of the 2011 PBA Draft by the Alaska Aces but was quickly traded to the Meralco. He joined the Elite via the expansion draft in 2014.

Meanwhile, in a statement later Sunday, Commissioner Chito Narvasa said, "We are very saddened to hear of the passing of one of our beloved players and a member of our PBA family, Gilbert Bulawan. On behalf of the PBA, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and I would like to request everyone to pray for his eternal and peaceful rest."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno