MAHARLIKA Pilipinas Basketball League took a stand on game-fixing anew by cancelling the remaining 2026 season schedule for Bacolod.
Several yet-to-be-named players and coaches of the Masskara Warriors were also slapped with permanent bans, as the regional league 'reiterated its unyielding commitment to preserving integrity, fairness, and credibility.'
This comes after Bacolod's shameful endgame against Bulacan last Tuesday, when it delivered nearly eight minutes of scoreless basketball - missing multiple field goals and four free throws, as well as committing six turnovers, all while the Kuyas went on a 19-0 tear.
Earlier in the tournament, the Masskara Warriors also absorbed the worst loss in league history in being clobbered by 84 points by Abra.
Bacolod is the second squad ousted in the MPBL's eighth season after the Iloilo United Royals, who were also booted out for suspicions of potential game-manipulation, among a few other violations.
Final straw
According to an official statement by the regional league, Bacolod has been flagged as multiple-time offenders in the game-fixing front, as marked by their previous penalties received from the 'card system.'
Behind closed doors, multiple team officials and players have already been assessed 'yellow cards' earlier in the season, signaling they were already placed under formal investigation.
“The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball. Swift and decisive action will continue to be taken against any conduct that threatens the trust of our fans, team owners, and the public,” the MPBL said.
The Masskara Warriors mustered a 3-18 record before their unceremonious exit.
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