The local billiards community mourns the loss of Cifiriano ‘Perry’ Mariano, one of its most respected figures and widely regarded as the “Godfather” of Philippine billiards, who died in a shooting incident on Tuesday.
Authorities confirmed that Mariano died after being shot by still unidentified assailants. An investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the killing, as police continue to pursue leads and identify those responsible.
Family members, friends, and fellow players are now calling for justice, urging law enforcement to act swiftly in solving the case. They described Mariano’s death as a senseless act of violence and appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
Mariano's role in mentoring and helping young, upcoming players was widely recognized. For years, he was a familiar presence in billiards halls, sharing his knowledge and helping develop future talents in the sport.
His contributions went beyond competition, as he played a key role in promoting billiards and strengthening its community at the grassroots level.
The billiards community has expressed grief over his passing, remembering him as a mentor, leader, and passionate advocate of the sport.
Mariano’s death is seen as a major loss to Philippine billiards, as calls for justice continue to grow.
