ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 03/21/2013 8:34 PM | Updated as of 03/21/2013 10:39 PM

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Actor John Prats was hit by comedian Jason Francisco during rehearsals for a late-night gag show in San Juan City on Thursday.

John Prats, Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros. File photos

Prats was hit three times by Franciso on his cheek and chin Thursday night at the Music Museum during a taping for an upcoming episode of “Banana Split.”

“I was watching sa rehearsal ng ‘Banana Split’ then from behind sa likod ko, sinapak niya ako sa mukha, dito at dito (pointing to chin, cheek). Na sa likod siya. Tapos nung humarap na ako, sabi ko, ‘Anong problema mo?’” Prats told ABS-CBN News.

“Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya ako biglang sinapak. Para akong nakakita ng demonyo,” he said.

Prats has already reported the incident to the San Juan police.

Jemster Reyes, the director “Banana Split,” recalled the incident, saying they immediately tried to restrain Francisco.

“Akala ko tatapikin lang si John, tapos ‘yung tapik niya isang malakas na sampal, tapos isang suntok sa kaliwa tapos suntok ulit, bali tatlo. Tapos inawat na namin kasi nagulat kami pareho,” he said.

Prats surmised that Francisco was angered by the group’s constant teasing of the comedian’s former girlfriend Melai Cantiveros, who is also part of the cast of “Banana Split.”

“Kasi sa amin sa ‘Banana Split’ talagang asaran talaga kami, inaasar ko si Jason na malaki ulo, ako tinutukso na maliit, and it’s normal,” he said.

Asked on why he suspects he was the one hit by Francisco, the actor added, “Wala, I felt that I was the one available that time.”

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Francisco admitted that he was hurt by the jokes about him and Cantiveros. He also apologized to Prats and the staff of the program.

Francisco, who left with Cantiveros following the encounter, added that he hopes to speak with Prats personally to apologize.