The Basilan Starhorse issued a statement on Thursday in support of forward Arwind Santos, following the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s (MPBL) sanctions after his involvement in an on-court altercation during the South Division quarterfinals game against the GenSan Warriors last Monday.
MPBL slapped Santos with an indefinite suspension and a ₱100,000 fine for his punching GenSan Warriors big man Anthony "Tonton" Bringas on Monday, October 20, which resulted in a facial injury.
In a statement, Basilan expressed its backing for the former PBA MVP, calling for a review of the sanctions and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"We stand by Arwind Santos," the statement read. "While we respect the League’s authority, we believe the sanctions imposed deserve a fair review."
The Starhorse added that Santos has since made efforts to reconcile with Bringas.
"Despite the circumstances, Arwind responded with humility. He reached out to Mr. Bringas to resolve matters peacefully but was referred to legal counsel," the team continued.
"We urge the League to reexamine the imposed sanctions and to also review the conduct of Mr. Bringas and the officiating team. We call for shared accountability among players, teams, and officials. We continue to advocate for a playing environment that’s fair, safe, and consistent for everyone."
On Wednesday, the MPBL upgraded Santos' penalty to indefinite suspension and fined ₱100,000 for landing a punch on Bringas after a review of the incident from Monday's game.
"Upon review of the footage of the incident from last Monday’s MPBL South Division quarterfinals game between the GenSan Warriors and the Basilan Starhorse, the MPBL has meted an indefinite suspension on Basilan player Arwind Santos," the league said.
MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes condemned the altercation, emphasizing that violence has no place in the league—particularly during the playoffs.
"We condemn the incident, and the MPBL will not tolerate such actions, especially during the playoffs," Duremdes said. "The league has the full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable act, and we hope that our measures help put these behaviors to an immediate end."
The league first sanctioned the 44-year-old veteran Basilan forward with a one-game suspension and a ₱20,000 fine, following the advice of its technical committee.
