Already boasting a loaded lineup, Caloocan is taking another step forward by strengthening its coaching staff ahead of the 2026 MPBL season.
Jerson Cabiltes has been tapped by the Batang Kankaloo as their new head coach, just a month before the season tips off.
It’s an unexpected turn for Cabiltes after his former team, Pangasinan, opted to file a leave of absence from the MPBL.
“It was unexpected, but it’s truly an honor to be chosen by Mayor Along Malapitan to lead Caloocan,” Cabiltes said.
Cabiltes is a two-time MPBL champion, having led Basilan-Jumbo Plastic to the Invitational title in 2021 and guiding Nueva Ecija to another crown in 2022. He replaces Myk Saguiguit at the helm of the Batang Kankaloo.
During the preseason invitationals, Caloocan finished the group stage with a 6-2 record but was eliminated by San Juan in the playoffs.
The Batang Kankaloo recently reloaded its roster, signing La Salle’s Kean Baclaan, and Ateneo’s Kymani Ladi and Dom Escobar.
“I’ll get my first look at the team on Tuesday and assess what areas we need to improve. We still have a month to tinker with the lineup before the season starts,” Cabiltes said.
Cabiltes, who also serves as head coach of Emilio Aguinaldo College and assistant coach with Titan Ultra, will bring in his trusted assistants, namely Noy Catalan, Harold Ng, Bong Pineda, Joseph Guion, Ariel Sison, Dands Javier, Jun Medina, and Ric Sison.
