Tenorio battling Big C

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA’s “Iron Man” is faced with a big battle and is determined to win it.

In a stunning development, Barangay Ginebra star LA Tenorio yesterday announced he’s been diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for Stage 3 colon cancer.

This should keep him away from the game for a while. But one of the PBA’s greatest players insists he is not retiring yet.

“I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA, but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love. Sadly, there are things beyond one’s control,” Tenorio, 38, said in a statement yesterday.

“But with my faith, I am lifting everything to God now and I believe there is a higher purpose as I go through this part of my life. I am not yet retiring from the game I love, and with the help of the best doctors in the Philippines and Singapore, I believe I can touch a basketball once more and return stronger,” he added with strong resolve.

Tenorio owns the league-record of having played 744 consecutive games dating back to his rookie season in 2006. He even continued the streak despite an appendectomy operation prior to the 2020 Clark bubble.

The veteran playmaker missed his first PBA game last March 1 when Ginebra played Meralco in the elims. He hasn’t seen action since.

Reason cited was a “minor injury” and an aggravated sports hernia. But an apologetic Tenorio came clean yesterday and declared his health status to prevent “unnecessary gossip, fake news and misinterpretations.”