PBA lauded for war on drugs

The Philippine Basketball Association has gotten high marks from the Dangerous Drugs Board, which said the league is moving in the right direction, and setting an exemplary example, with its all-out anti-drugs campaign.

In a letter to commissioner Noli Eala, Dangerous Drugs Board, the lead agency in the government’s campaign against drugs, said the league’s resolve and commitment in its war against the menace is commendable.

"We have noted with keen interest your sincere efforts to curb the proliferation of drug abuse in the PBA, in line with the government’s stepped-up drive," said Undersecretary Efren Fernandez, executive director of the DDB.

"The moves taken by the league … reflected the PBA’s resolve and commitment to support the crusade against drugs and substance abuse in sports."

The league has launced a massive anti-drugs campaign this year, starting with the random testing before games that led to the indefinite suspensions slapped on three players who tested positive for banned substances.

Making it clear that the league means business, Eala also ordered the offenders — Jimwell Torion, Norman Gonzales and Alex Crisano — to undergo a rehabilitation program before their respective cases are reviewed by the Commissioner’s Office.

Two other players who tested positive for marijuana, Asi Taulava and Dorian Peña, were slapped two-game suspensions and made to undergo mandatory testing for all the games they will play this season.

At the same time the league has ordered a one-time drug testing for all players of the 10-member ballclubs. It has also asked league staffers to do the same.