BULLETIN/TEMPO STAFF
Tensions spilled over outside the court and after the game when a referee was reportedly punched in the aftermath of the physical contest between Abra and Pasay in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Cuneta Astrodome last Tuesday, April 16.
Eyewitness accounts said bodyguards of a politician from Abra allegedly stormed towards the referees room after what they deemed to be unfair officiating during the contest
The referee is yet to be identified but the officials who called the game were Benjie Estroga, Cornel Tungol, Rex Camahalan. Aside from the referee, a security personnel of the Astrodome, who was only trying to pacify the tensions, was also hit.
Abra lost to Pasay in a close encounter, 78-72, but not after a series of calls which the team contested and complained about during the waning minutes of the game.
The MPBL is yet to issue a statement regarding the incident but the league, according to a source, is set to launch a probe.
For its misconduct, Abra is expected to be sanctioned heavily by the league.
A source said the Abra elected official brought with him at least 10 bodyguards inside the Astrodome.
“My long arms pa daw na dala ang mga bodyguards,” the source added.
In the PBA and PVL, politicians and owners are discouraged to bring bodyguards with arms inside the venue.
For that, several teams have already expressed apprehension of going to Abra once it is its time to host MPBL matches.
