PBA calls off All-Star Weekend in Davao amid political tension

The upcoming PBA All-Star Weekend is now in jeopardy. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The PBA postponed the upcoming All-Star Weekend in Metro Davao as political tension rose in the metropolis during the past few weeks.

Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the development on Wednesday night, explaining that the said tension, mainly due to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, has become a security concern.

"May mga pangyayari na hindi natin kontrolado. Security concern. At tiningnan namin, mas makakabuti sa karamihan kaya natin pinostpone," Marcial said.

Duterte is seeking a return to the Davao City Hall as mayor, and he remains an official candidate even if he is detained in The Hague, Netherlands.

Two special exhibitions were scheduled for May 2-4 in line with the PBA's 50th anniversary.

The first game in Davao City would have featured a showdown between the league's top players from Mindanao.

And then the annual All-Star Game in Tagum, where, for the first time since 2012, the stars from the last three PBA Draft classes would have collided with the league's marquee veterans.

With the Duterte arrest-related tension already being felt in other key towns in Mindanao, Marcial said that the PBA is looking at the possibility of bringing the All-Star Weekend back to Visayas, although the event will be rescheduled after the elections.

Last year's All-Star festivities took place in Bacolod, where Team Barroca and Team Aguilar battled to a 140-all draw.

However, Marcial also revealed that if they fail to find a replacement venue for the All-Star Game, they may have to cancel the event altogether.

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