Billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes was just at the right place, right time but wrong circumstance when police raided a newly-opened billiards in Sto. Tomas, Batangas over reports of alleged illegal gambling and violation of health protocols.

Initial reports said that a huge crowd gathered to see Reyes — who was a guest of honor for the opening — play.

However, it wasn't long before the crowd ran away fast when the police came because of the alleged betting among the patrons.

Police Lieutenant Colonel John Eric Antonio said that there were reports that some of the kibitzers in the hall were betting on each set of the billiard legend's game.

A total of 19 individuals were arrested, including a minor. Authorities also confiscated P14,000 in bet money.

Antonio stressed that there was really a form of illegal gambling.

Reyes, meantime, was sent home after being invited to the police station as he stressed that he was unaware of the betting.

In another interview, the country's billiards hero said that he had fully grasped the police's justification for conducting the raid.

He stressed that while social distancing is tightly enforced, the people — particularly his fans — are insistent on attending and entering the venue to witness.