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GAB wields executioner's ax, revokes pro licenses on 10 Siquijor Mystics

Most of the Siquijor Mystics have been slapped with revocation of their pro licenses. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas/Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The Games and Amusements Board has made a verdict on everyone involved in the controversial Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Visayas Leg game between Lapu-Lapu and Siquijor.

As announced by GAB legal division chief Omar Benitez on Friday during the agency's monthly press conference, 10 Mystics, namely Head Coach Joel Palapal and players Erick Rodriguez, Andre Aspiras, Jopet Quiro, Jan Peñaflor, Joshua Alcober, Gene Belleza, Michael Calomot, Ryan and John Buenafe, have been permanently stripped off of their professional athlete licenses for their direct involvement in alleged game-fixing acts that marred the April 14 match, which was called off by halftime.

Meanwhile, the five other members of the Siquijor squad that were dragged to the case, Assistant Coach Magnelio Padrigao and players Michael Sereño, Miguel Castellano, Vincent Tangcay, and Isagani Gooc, have been acquitted.

But while they are now cleared to continue on with their pro careers, making a VisMin Cup return could be easier said than done as the league's chief executive officer, Rocky Chan, vowed that the entire Mystics squad "will not be able to set foot again in the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup."

Meanwhile, former PBA veterans Jojo Tangkay and Reed Juntilla have both been slapped with six-month suspensions for their roles in the said game, headlining the list of the Heroes who have been sanctioned.

Rendell Senining, who became infamous after intentionally switching shooting hands while taking two free throws, has also been sent to the sidelines for six months along with Head Coach Francis Auquico.

Serving three-month bans for Lapu-Lapu are Dawn Ochea, Francisco Arong, Ferdinand Lusdoc, and Assistant Coaches Jerry Abuyabor and Alex Cainglet.

Team Owners Jason Arquisola and Mytha Canoy and Assistant Coaches John Nuyles, Roger Potot, and Hamilton Tundag have all been spared from punishments.

According to Rodil Manaog, GAB's supervising sports and games regulations officer, the Builders are looking to join the VisMin Cup's inter-conference tournament scheduled to start on Nov. 13 in Pagadian

But according to him, "The ARQ Builders, which have been affected by the suspension of the players and officials, have yet to complete their roster."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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