PBA games suspended until further notice due to COVID-19 threat

By Jonas Terrado

The PBA on Wednesday suspended the ongoing Philippine Cup until further notice as a preventive measure against the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The league made the announcement after Commissioner Willie Marcial and members of the Board of Governors agreed in a special board meeting late Tuesday to call off matches in reaction to increasing cases of the infectious disease.

Also on hold are matches in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup and the upcoming PBA 3×3 competition.

Re 2020 PBA Philippine Cup and 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup games and activities and 2020 PBA 3×3 inaugurals cancellation ⬇️#PBAat45 #PBATayoAngBida pic.twitter.com/b3QuAMULjN

— PBA (@pbaconnect) March 11, 2020

“The Philippine Basketball Association Board of Governors through the Office of the Commissioner, decided with prudence to cancel effective today, March 11, its on-going PBA Philippine Cup and PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup games and activities and PBA 3×3 inaugurals until further notice,” the PBA said in a statement.

“Considering the present situation surrounding COVID-19 and the Presidential declaration of Public Health Emergency, it is our paramount duty and responsibility to ensure the healthy and safety of our fans, players, teams, officials and staff,” the league added.

“The league however will assess the effects of COVID-19 on a day-to-day basis guided by the parameters set by the DOH and WHO and will remain committed to conduct its games and activities in a safe and responsible manner for all its stakeholders,” the PBA said.

The PBA opened its season-opening conference last Sunday with San Miguel Beer prevailing over Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while the D-League has held three playdates since it began last March 2.

Source: Manila Bulletin