GAB ready to crack whip

MANILA, Philippines — Stiffer penalties, including possible charges, await the personalities involved in the farcical Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup match between the Siquijor Mystics and Lapu-Lapu Heroes last month that led to game-fixing allegations and nationwide criticisms.

The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) said it’s on track of assembling a solid case against the alleged perpetrators of the controversial game with the help of the regional police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) might step in as well as GAB solidifies pieces of evidence with testimonies from witnesses entering the final stretch of its prudent investigation.

“Parang ito na yata yung panahon na talagang mayroong makakasuhan,” said GAB chairman Baham Mitra in the monthly press conference of the country’s pro sports regulatory body.

The VisMin Super Cup came under fire last April 14 after Siquijor and Lapu-Lapu figured in a questionable match that saw both teams deliberately missing free throws and botching wide-open layups. The game was called off at the half.