Metro Manila, Philippines — The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has permanently banned the players and coaches of the Bacolod Masskara amid allegations of game manipulation.

The MPBL announced on Thursday, July 30, that it is also canceling Bacolod’s participation in the 2026 season as the league reiterated its commitment to preserving the integrity, fairness, and credibility of the sport.

The decision came in the wake of Bacolod’s puzzling endgame performance against the Bulacan Kuyas on July 28 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, where the Masskara went scoreless over the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter while Bulacan unleashed a 19-0 run during that stretch en route to a 100-64 victory.

The Bacolod players’ apparent lack of effort to score raised suspicions among viewers as clips of the game circulated online.

“The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball. Swift and decisive action will continue to be taken against any conduct that threatens the trust of our fans, team owners, and the public,” the league said.

Before the game, Bacolod suffered the worst loss in MPBL history after being routed by the Abra Weavers by 84 points in Cainta, Rizal.

Bacolod had already been eliminated from playoff contention in the MPBL’s eighth season, finishing with a 3-19 win-loss record.

The MPBL vowed to remain relentless and uncompromising in eradicating game manipulation in the league, stressing that the integrity of the game will always be its priority.

“The MPBL deeply regrets that the spirit of the game and the trust of our community have been tested by these events,” the league said.