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MPBL Suspends Arwind Santos Indefinitely; Basilan Seeks 'Fair Review'
Photo credit: Basilan Starhorse
MANILA — The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has imposed an indefinite suspension and a ₱100,000 fine on veteran forward Arwind Santos after his on-court altercation with Tonton Bringas during Game 2 of the South Division quarterfinals between Basilan and GenSan.
The league announced the decision late Wednesday, stressing the need to maintain discipline and professionalism, especially during the playoffs.
“We condemn the incident and the MPBL will not tolerate such actions, especially during the playoffs,” said MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.
The heated exchange happened around the 8:31 mark of the fourth quarter at the Malolos Convention Center, when Santos struck Bringas in the face after a physical battle for position. The hit caused a cut near Bringas’ left eye, prompting officials to upgrade Santos’ punishment from a one-game suspension with a ₱20,000 fine to an indefinite ban with a ₱100,000 fine.
Duremdes — himself a former PBA MVP like Santos — said the decision should serve as a clear warning to all players.
“The league has full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable act, and we hope these measures will help stop such behavior immediately,” he said.
Despite the sanction, the Starhorse Basilan Portmasters have expressed full support for their veteran star, urging the MPBL to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We stand by Arwind Santos,” the team said in a statement Thursday. “While we respect the league’s authority, we believe the sanctions imposed deserve a fair review.”
Basilan claimed that Santos had been subjected to repeated unsportsmanlike actions from Bringas that were allegedly unaddressed by officials, leading to the escalation. The team also noted that Santos attempted to reach out privately to Bringas to settle the issue but was referred to legal counsel instead.
“Despite the circumstances, Arwind responded with humility. He reached out to Mr. Bringas to resolve matters peacefully,” Basilan added.
Calling for shared accountability, the team urged the league to also review the conduct of Bringas and the officiating crew during the game.
“We continue to advocate for a playing environment that’s fair, safe, and consistent for everyone,” the team concluded, using the hashtag #FairPlayForAll.
Meanwhile, Basilan and GenSan will clash again on Friday night for the right to face Quezon in the South semifinals. Santos will remain sidelined as his indefinite suspension takes effect immediately — and could extend beyond Game 3 pending the MPBL’s review.
The league announced the decision late Wednesday, stressing the need to maintain discipline and professionalism, especially during the playoffs.
“We condemn the incident and the MPBL will not tolerate such actions, especially during the playoffs,” said MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.
The heated exchange happened around the 8:31 mark of the fourth quarter at the Malolos Convention Center, when Santos struck Bringas in the face after a physical battle for position. The hit caused a cut near Bringas’ left eye, prompting officials to upgrade Santos’ punishment from a one-game suspension with a ₱20,000 fine to an indefinite ban with a ₱100,000 fine.
Duremdes — himself a former PBA MVP like Santos — said the decision should serve as a clear warning to all players.
“The league has full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable act, and we hope these measures will help stop such behavior immediately,” he said.
Despite the sanction, the Starhorse Basilan Portmasters have expressed full support for their veteran star, urging the MPBL to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We stand by Arwind Santos,” the team said in a statement Thursday. “While we respect the league’s authority, we believe the sanctions imposed deserve a fair review.”
Basilan claimed that Santos had been subjected to repeated unsportsmanlike actions from Bringas that were allegedly unaddressed by officials, leading to the escalation. The team also noted that Santos attempted to reach out privately to Bringas to settle the issue but was referred to legal counsel instead.
“Despite the circumstances, Arwind responded with humility. He reached out to Mr. Bringas to resolve matters peacefully,” Basilan added.
Calling for shared accountability, the team urged the league to also review the conduct of Bringas and the officiating crew during the game.
“We continue to advocate for a playing environment that’s fair, safe, and consistent for everyone,” the team concluded, using the hashtag #FairPlayForAll.
Meanwhile, Basilan and GenSan will clash again on Friday night for the right to face Quezon in the South semifinals. Santos will remain sidelined as his indefinite suspension takes effect immediately — and could extend beyond Game 3 pending the MPBL’s review.
Oct 23, 2025
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