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Advocates Philippines
Abra Mayor Calls Off MPBL Games Amid Rising Violence In Bangued
Photo credit: CongMayor JB Bernos
La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos has made the tough call to cancel the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) games originally scheduled for Saturday, March 29, due to the recent surge of violence in the province’s capital town, Bangued.
Bernos, in a letter addressed to MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes—which he also shared on social media—explained that safety is the top priority.
“Due to the spate of violence in the last several days that have rocked the capital town of Bangued, we have jointly decided to cancel the MPBL games scheduled on March 29. The security of our visitors and Abreño sports aficionados is of utmost concern,” Bernos stated.
Abra, which has its own team in the MPBL—the league founded by boxing legend and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao—was set to host the games, but the ongoing security concerns forced a change in plans.
In recent days, a series of violent incidents have shaken the province. A mayoral candidate’s driver in Tineg town, who was affiliated with the local political party Asenso, was shot dead. Shortly after, a male teacher from Abra High School was also gunned down.
Given these alarming incidents, Bernos and league officials agreed that pushing through with the games would not be in the best interest of the players, fans, and visitors. While basketball is a big part of the community, safety comes first.
For now, MPBL fans in Abra will have to wait a little longer to enjoy live basketball action, but hopefully, the situation stabilizes soon so the league can return in a safer environment.
Bernos, in a letter addressed to MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes—which he also shared on social media—explained that safety is the top priority.
“Due to the spate of violence in the last several days that have rocked the capital town of Bangued, we have jointly decided to cancel the MPBL games scheduled on March 29. The security of our visitors and Abreño sports aficionados is of utmost concern,” Bernos stated.
Abra, which has its own team in the MPBL—the league founded by boxing legend and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao—was set to host the games, but the ongoing security concerns forced a change in plans.
In recent days, a series of violent incidents have shaken the province. A mayoral candidate’s driver in Tineg town, who was affiliated with the local political party Asenso, was shot dead. Shortly after, a male teacher from Abra High School was also gunned down.
Given these alarming incidents, Bernos and league officials agreed that pushing through with the games would not be in the best interest of the players, fans, and visitors. While basketball is a big part of the community, safety comes first.
For now, MPBL fans in Abra will have to wait a little longer to enjoy live basketball action, but hopefully, the situation stabilizes soon so the league can return in a safer environment.
Mar 29, 2025
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