Ed Picson, ABAP executive director, said Suarez, who is reportedly attending to some personal concerns in Davao, has informed ABAP of his commitment to rejoin the national team.

“Charly was remorseful and has vowed to return as soon as he settles his affairs there,” said Picson. “We’re taking his word for it.”

Picson said Suarez, who had a woeful showing in the Guangzhou Asian Games last year, where compatriot Rey Saludar won a gold medal, has “pledged to shape up” as soon he comes back.

“Babawi raw siya,” said Picson."Tignan natin."

Suarez lost his first round featherweight match to a Kazakhstan fighter and bared later that he had become dehydrated from shedding excess weight by himself late at nights leading up to his bout.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, a few days ago, called on the 600-man national pool to return totraining by January 17 or face expulsion.

“It’s back to barracks for them,” Garcia said. “We want them to start training early for the SEA Games so they can’t use the same old reason that they lacked time to train.”

The ABAP, which summoned its members as early as Jan. 3, is giving Suarez until this weekend to deliver on his promise to return to the fold.

Meanwhile, Picson confirmed that 28-year-old Annie Albania, who settled for the silver medal in Guangzhou, losing a close final to two-time world champion Ren Cancan of China, has been dropped from the national team for failing to return to training camp last week.

Albania, who earned a P1 million in bonus from PLDT-Smart for her performance, has been incommunicado since the holiday break, and efforts by ABAP to reach her has proved futile.

Also dropped from the roster is coach Isidro Vicera Jr. for habitual absence.

Manila Bulletin