PBA cancels Saturday game in South Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA has cancelled its scheduled provincial game on Saturday, Feb. 7 between the Alaska Aces and the NLEX Road Warriors in Polomok, South Cotabato in deference to the victims of the deadly Mamasapano encounter more than a week ago.

The cancellation was also due to security reasons following the tragic event that killed 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP/SAF) members last Jan. 25 in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.

“In light of the recent encounter between police commando and separatist forces in Maguindanao, as well as the heightened security risks and threats posed by continuing insurgent activities in proximate areas, the Office of the Commissioner deems it prudent to cancel the PBA game scheduled in South Cotabato on Feb 7, 2015,” the league said in a statement released on Monday.

The game will instead be played at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan at 5 p.m on the same date.