(Eagle News)–Twenty-two individuals are facing charges for their alleged roles in game-fixing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
The National Bureau of Investigation has prepared 17 counts of betting, multiple counts of game-fixing and point shaving under Section 1 and 3 of PD 483 as amended by PD 1602 against the following:
1. Mr. SUNG, of legal age, Chinese national
2. KEVIN ESPINOSA, of legal age
3. KEIN, of legal age, Chinese national
4. EMMA, of legal age, Chinese national
5. SONNY UY, of legal age, of Armor On Philippines
6. SERAFIN MATIAS, of legal age, of Armor On Philippines
7. EJ AVILA, of legal age, of Armor On Philippines
8. NINO DIONISIO, of legal age, of Armor On Philippines
9. FERDINAND C. MELOCOTON, of legal age
10 NICE ILAGAN, of legal age, of Armor On Philippines
11. JAKE DIWA, of legal age, Philippine Air Force, Colonel
12. EXEQUIEL A. BITENG, of legal age
13. JEROME E. JUANICO, of legal age
14.MATTHEW M. BERNABE, of legal age
15. JULIO A. MAGBANUA, Jr., of legal age
16. ABRAHAM P. SANTOS, of legal age
17. JOHN PATRICK C. RABE, of legal age
18. RYAN T. REGALADO, of legal age
19. JANUS LOZADA, of legal age, of Armor On Philippines
20.JOSHUA ALCOBER, of legal age
21.RICKY MORILLO, of legal age, of Armor On Philippines
The charges filed before the Department of Justice came days after the suspension of several players and coaches of the Soccsksargen Marlins in the ongoing Lakan Season following initial NBI information some members of the coaching staff and players played a role in the scheme.
The suspension was upon instructions of Senator Manny Pacquiao, founder of the league, who had also said he would take over the management of the team and do some “house-cleaning.”
Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, who personally went to the DOJ on Tuesday, had said influential people were behind game-fixing in the MPBL. With a report from Moira Encina