By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Tubo Slashers were slapped with a P500,000 fine for forfeiting the second half of their game against the Pangasinan Heatwaves in the 2025 MPBL Season at the Pola Gymnasium in Oriental Mindoro on Saturday, June 21.

MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes decided on the penalty after a review of the circumstances surrounding Bacolod’s refusal to play the second half after trailing, 30-50, at the break.

According to reports, the Tubo Slashers’ act was in protest to the league not allowing their new recruits, Tzaddy Rangel and Kenneth Malazarte, to suit up against the Heatwaves.

Rangel, a former Gilas Pilipinas standout, along with homegrown player, Malazarte, were announced as the Tubo Slashers’ new recruits last week, but their papers were not processed.

The MPBL said the Tubo Slashers must pay the full amount and the tournament fee before their next scheduled game against the Imus Braderhood at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m.

Failure to comply will mean forfeiture of Bacolod’s game against Imus as well./ASC, WDJ