After weeks of speculation, reigning All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference champion Petro Gazz announced on Saturday that it will take a leave of absence from the Premier Volleyball League.
PVL Control Committee Chairman Sherwin Malonzo told Tiebreaker Times that the team had already informed the league of its decision.
The Angels, the league’s second-winningest franchise with four championships — two of them coming last season — have been part of the PVL since 2018. They captured their first title a year after joining the league.
“Petro Gazz announces its decision to take a leave of absence from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), marking a pause in its competitive participation after seven successful years,” the team said in a statement.
“This decision was made with careful consideration, as volleyball has always been at the core of Petro Gazz’s identity. Over the years, the team built a legacy of excellence—winning four VL championships, developing national team-caliber athletes, and establishing itself as one of the league’s pillars,” the statement continued.
A few days earlier, reports surfaced that a proposed merger between Petro Gazz and Nxled had been submitted to the league office but was rejected for being detrimental to competitive balance among the other club teams.
Despite stepping away from competition, the team said it will continue its volleyball journey behind the scenes through grassroots efforts, while also supporting the volleyball programs of the Chameleons and other PVL clubs.
“During this period, Petro Gazz will focus on nurturing the next generation of volleyball talent,” the team said.
“As part of this initiative, Petro Gazz supports the volleyball program of Nxled and other PVL teams by recommending its players, coaches, and staff guided by its winning culture and core values,” added Petro Gazz.
With the Angels on leave, Malonzo said that players who are still under contract, as well as those whose contracts have already lapsed, are now free to sign with any club team, including the Chameleons.
Among the notable Petro Gazz players set to hit free agency are three-time league MVP Brooke Van Sickle, two-time MVP Myla Pablo, two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, prized rookie Jules Tolentino, and Jonah Sabete.
Also entering the market are Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Djanel Cheng, Ranya Musa, Jellie Tempiatura, Nicole Tiamzon, and Bang Pineda.
In recent weeks, several Angels have already bid farewell to the squad, including Remy Palma and Chie Saet, who signed with Strong Group Athletics; BLove Barbon, who moved to Galeries Tower; and Joy Dacoron, who has yet to announce her next move.
The development comes as a shock for Petro Gazz, which was coming off a banner year after winning its first-ever All-Filipino Conference title before claiming its third Reinforced Conference championship to close out the season.
The Angels also expressed their gratitude to their supporters.
“Petro Gazz extends its sincere gratitude to its loyal fans, whose unwavering support fueled the team’s pursuit of excellence.”
