MANILA – Bacolod Tubo Slashers were slapped with P500,000 fine for forfeiting the second half of their game against Pangasinan Heatwaves in the 2025 MPBL Season on Saturday at the Pola Gymnasium in Oriental Mindoro.
In an advisory on Monday, MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said the penalty was following a review of the circumstances surrounding Bacolod’s refusal to play the second half after trailing, 30-50, at the break.
According to Panay News sources, the Tubo Slashers’ act was in protest for the league not allowing their new recruits Tzaddy Rangel and Kenneth Malazarte to suit up against the Heatwaves.
Rangel, a former Gilas Pilipinas standout, along with homegrown player Malazarte, were announced as the Tubo Slashers’ new recruits last week but their papers were not processed.
MPBL said the Tubo Slashers must pay the full amount and the tournament fee before their next scheduled game against the Imus Braderhood at 6 p.m. on June 26 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Failure to comply will mean forfeiture of Bacolod’s game against Imus as well.
Meanwhile, Caloocan Batang Kankaloo trounced Manila Batang Quiapo, 110-92, on Monday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Negrense Jeff Manday posted 26 points, nine assists and seven rebounds to power Caloocan to their 12th win against losses losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.
Bacolodnon Jeramer Cabanag supported with 19 points and four rebounds, followed by Paul Sanga with 14 points and two rebounds, and Joshua Flores with 10 points.
Manila absorbed its 15th straight defeat after an initial win despite Achie Inigo’s triple-double of 25 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds plus four steals./PN
