By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negros Pau Muscovados bolstered its roster in the ongoing 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) with the addition of four new players, including two from Bacolod City.

The Muscovados have acquired the services of Bacolodnon standouts John Lemuel Pastias and Arben Dionson, while also adding free agents Jun Manzo and Camillus “Ichie” Altamirano.

Pastias, who played for Bacolod City of Smiles earlier this season, was a 5-foot-11 playmaker who suited up for the STI-West Negros University Mustangs during his collegiate years.

Dionson was a 6-foot-2 forward who played for Carlos Hilado Memorial State University before suiting up briefly for Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates in the NCAA.

Meanwhile, Altamirano transferred to the Muscovados after being released by Muntinlupa Cagers. He was a former player of the Bacolod team in the MPBL and has suited up for San Sebastian College Golden Stags in the NCAA.

For his part, Manzo is also making an MPBL comeback after he last played for Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors. He previously suited up for the University of Visayas in CESAFI and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the UAAP.  

The Negros Occidental-based basketball squad made a roster upgrade over the weekend after recently releasing point guard Robin Rono, who had signed up with the Quezon Huskers.

Pastias, Dionson, Altamirano, and Manzo will all suit up for the Muscovados when they face Laguna Krah Heroes at the STRIKE Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite on Tuesday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. 

The Muscovados, currently with a 4-9 win-loss slate, is currently on a four-game losing skid, including a heartbreaking 84-82 defeat to Caloocan Batang Kankaloo last week via a game-winner by Bacolodnon Jeramer Cabanag./ASC, WDJ