Banishment from the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup might just be the beginning for the Siquijor Mystics.
The Games and Amusements Board is also collating the reports from their two on-ground staff that have been in the Alcantara Civic Center in Cebu.
Once they gather all the facts they have, there is a possibility for the agency to revoke all the professional licenses of the players and coaches of Siquijor.
“We commend the swift action of the VisMin management. We have been in close coordination with them and support their decision,” said GAB chairman Baham Mitra.
“As to the players’ license revocation, while we respect the league rules, we will base our decision on the report from our own people on the ground and the move of VisMin but giving all parties concerned due process.”
VisMin concluded that the Mystics purposely “disgraced the game” during its controversial clash with ARQ Builders-Lapu Lapu last Wednesday.
Joshua Alcober, Ryan Buenafe, Vincent Tangcay, Jan Penaflor, Gene Bellaza, Michael Calomot, Frederick Rodriguez, Jopet Quiro, Isagani Gooc, Miguel Castellano, Juan Aspiras, and Peter Buenafe were all given a lifetime ban from the league.
Also kicked out of the league for good are head coach Joel Palapal and his only staff Magenelio Padrigao.
There’s a possibility that all of them can have their licenses revoked. This would mean that they can no longer be seen in the Philippine Basketball Association, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, or National Basketball League-Pilipinas.
GAB also vowed to be much stricter in covering the games of VisMin as everything they do will be under the telescope of a national audience.
And Mitra is hoping that no more anomalies take place in the upstart pro league.
“As to the league, we are watching them closely and issue reminders to them at all times,” he warned.
“We assure basketball fans and the public that we are on the ground and making sure the integrity of professional sports is upheld at all times.”
