GAB chair Mitra to VisMin Cup: We are watching them closely

Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chair Baham Mitra said they are closely watching the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup after what happened in the controversial match between Siquijor and Lapu-Lapu on Wednesday.

"As to the league, we are watching them closely and issuing reminders to them at all times," Mitra said in a statement on Thursday, hours after the VisMin Super Cup expelled the Siquijor Mystics.

The GAB chair also commended VisMin management regarding its decision, but noted that the revocation of license of professional players is a different process.

"As to the players' license revocation, while we respect the league rules, we will base our decision on the report from our own people on the ground and the move of VisMin but giving all parties concerned due process," he added.

Mitra said the agency is on top of things in "making sure that the integrity of professional sports is upheld at all times."

GAB on Wednesday started a probe regarding the controversial match which was cut short due to power interruption. Some clips from the match, which showed players missing free throws and layups, surfaced online after the game.

Aside from Siquijor's expulsion from the league, some Lapu-Lapu team players were suspended and fined following the incident. Members of their coaching staff were fined as well.

The Lapu-Lapu team owner on Thursday denounced Siquijor's actions and shared that their opponent 'had no intention of competing' in the said match. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News