MPBL files game-fixing complaint vs Soccsksargen team
THE SEMI-PROFESSIONAL Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has filed a complaint against 21 individuals allegedly involved in game-fixing and other related schemes affecting the competition. An agent from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) told reporters the complaint is against the management and players of the Soccsksargen team. The respondents are facing 17 counts of betting and multiple counts of game-fixing and points shaving under Presidential Decree No. 483. In the complaint filed before the Department of Justice through the NBI, MPBL said the acts were committed for from July to October 2019. A full copy of the complaint was not released to reporters. Senator and boxer Emmanuel D. Pacquiao, founder of the league, suspended the Soccsksargen Marlins Team earlier this month over their alleged involvement in game-fixing. Team players who were named respondents in the complaint are Jake Diwa, Exequiel A. Biteng, Jerome E. Juanico, Matthew M. Bernabe, Julio A. Magbanua Jr., Abraham P. Santos, John Patrick C. Rabe, Ryan T. Regalado, and Ricky Morillo, along with team owner and player Kevin Espinosa. Other respondents are Sonny Uy, Serafin Matias, EJ Avila, Niño Dionisio, Ferdinand C. Melocoton, Nice Ilagan, Janus Lozada, and Joshua Alcober, and Chinese nationals Mr. Sung, Kein, and Emma. Those found guilty face imprisonment of a maximum of six years and a fine of P2,000. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
