The ongoing strife in Mindanao, which has spilled over to Gen. Santos City in South Cotabato, has forced the postponement of the scheduled MBA-FedEx Crossover Cup game at the Gen. Santos City gym yesterday.
Solo leader San Juan was to play with host Socsargen at 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon but the fighting between Muslim rebels and government forces in the vicinity of the city forced league officials to call off the game.
"The safety and welfare of the teams, MBA staff and officials of the ABS-CBN coverage team and the MBA fans are the prime consideration for this decision," said MBA commissioner Gregorio Narvasa II.
"We are also coordinating with local leaders, including Gen. Santos City Mayor Adelbert Antonino, to ensure the safety of everybody concerned," said MBA operations chief Butch Antonio, adding that the postponed game will be rescheduled either towards the end of the ongoing conference eliminations or later this month.
Presidential son Jinggoy Estrada, who is also San Juan team manager, did not join the trip to Gen. Santos, but said he has already made arrangements that will ensure the safety of the MBA delegation. Joey Villar
Saturday's games will pit the Knights and Davao Eagles at the RMC Gym in Davao City, with Davao team officials saying that the city remains peaceful. Still, MBA officials and ABS-CBN will hold meetings with local leaders to ensure security in staging games in Davao City.
Meantime, the other game between Cebu and Pampanga went on as scheduled last night at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.