GAB suspends Mindanao leg of VisMin Super Cup, puts league under re-evaluation

The Games and Amusements Board on Sunday announced the suspension of the Mindanao leg of the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup, adding that the league will be re-evaluated.

"We are in the process of investigation and seriously looking into the allegations of wrongdoing. The board would like to further observe the ongoing Visayas leg before giving a go signal for the other," GAB chair Baham Mitra said in a statement.

GAB said the agency is reviewing the reports of its field officers and the league's officials "to determine the administrative liability of the licensees as well as the possibility of proceeding with criminal charges if warranted by the circumstances."

"Our mandate is to ensure the integrity of professional sports and welfare of players, and we're doing just that," Mitra added.

On April 15, the VisMin Super Cup expelled the Siquijor Mystics in the wake of their controversial match against Lapu-Lapu. The league also handed fines and suspension to some of Lapu-Lapu players following the incident.

Lapu-Lapu's Rendell Senining apologized for his role in the incident, saying his actions were borne out of frustration due to Siquijor's "disrespect for the game." Team owner Jason Arquisola also denounced Siquijor's actions and said their opponent 'had no intention of competing' in the April 14 game.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Sunday also condemned the incident.

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SBP condemns the fourth game of 2021 Pilipinas Vismin Super League between Siquijor Mystics and ARQ Builders-Lapu Lapu City. ?????#SBP #ParaSaBayan #LabanPilipinas ???????? pic.twitter.com/APvx3qQyCh

— SBP (@officialSBPinc) April 18, 2021

In a radio interview on Saturday, SBP president Al Panlilio said the federation is eyeing sanctions to the league and players who will be proven to be involved in the incident.

The Visayas leg of the league is still ongoing, with two matches slated for this afternoon.

The Mindanao leg of the VisMin Cup, which will be composed of nine teams, was supposed to start on May 20 in Dipolog. — LA, GMA News