VISMIN SUPER CUP BROUHAHA: GAB to suspend Mindanao tip-off after Visayas leg’s controversial start

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Games and Amusement Board (GAB) made the tough decision to temporarily suspend the upcoming Mindanao leg of the 2021 Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup.

Following the controversial game between the Siquijor Mystics and the ARQ Builders-Lapu Lapu under the Visayas leg, GAB chairman Abraham Mitra decided to halt the Mindanao leg which is supposed to begin on May 20.

Moreover, Mitra, with the approval of the Pilipinas VisMin committee and officials, agreed to re-evaluate and assess the ongoing Visayas leg.

“We are in the process of investigation and seriously looking into the allegations of wrongdoing. The board would like to further observe the ongoing Visayas leg before giving a go signal for the other competition (Mindanao leg),” chairman Mitra said.

The Mindanao competition already has nine final participating squads in the Basilan Peace Riders, Cagayan De Oro Rafters, the Zamboanga Los Valientes, the Pagadian Explorers, the Roxas Vanguards, Sindagan Saints, and teams from Tawi-Tawi; Valencia City, Bukidnon, and Ozamis.

However, GAB chairman Mitra reiterated that as long as they don’t rectify the alleged “game-fixing” between Siquijor and Lapu Lapu, the Mindanao leg can’t proceed.

“In the meantime, GAB is reviewing the official reports of its field officers in the bubble and that of the League to determine the administrative liability of the licensees as well as the possibility of proceeding with criminal charges if warranted by the circumstances,” added Mitra.