Two Pampanga Giant Lanterns players have been suspended as they are under investigation for alleged game fixing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). According to a memo issued by the league on March 9, Mark Cruz and Michael Juico have been named as “persons of interest” after the team lost to the San Juan Knights in the Northern Division semifinals.
“Pursuant to MPBL’s serious drive against game fixing and all other scheming activities thereto, and MPBL’s serious thrust on clean and credible basketball, the league has requested the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate on suspected game fixing activities and other related scheming activities possibly performed by players Michael Juico and Mark Cruz during the semifinals series game opposite San Juan,” the league noted.
The league expects both players, along with Pampanga Giant Lanterns management, to cooperate./ASC, WDJ