Martinez III, Cebu PB member, defends Trailblazers, asks Cesafi to clarify sanctions on Bogo team

A City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy (CBSAA) Trailblazers player attempts a jump shot during one of its Cesafi games. | Sugbuanong Kodaker

CEBU CITY, Philippines— Cebu Provincial Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III came to the defense of the embattled City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy (CBSAA) Trailblazers in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi).

This was after, the Cesafi officials announced the two-game suspension, P10,000 fine and four-hour community service of one of CBSAA’s players, Franz Jeffrey Aballe, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Also, the three referees who supervised the game were suspended for failing to make the necessary calls. 

READ: Cesafi suspends CBSAA’s Franz Jefferey Aballe, three referees

Caught on video

Aballe was caught on a viral video “intentionally” elbowing Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC)  Magis Eagle Niclas Yu, during their October 22 game. The Magis Eagles won 88-41. 

In a lengthy Facebook post on Tuesday, Martinez said that people should not judge them quickly based on the issue alone after the City of Bogo received backlash from netizens. 

“Before passing judgment on the school, our athletes, and us Bogohanons, I kindly request that you take the time to read through this,” Martinez said on his post.

READ: Keaton Taburnal of CRMC Mustangs suspended for two games by Cesafi

CBSAA challenges

He explained that CBSAA faced numerous challenges this season in Cesafi, especially after the passing of their main benefactor, Celestino Martinez Jr. earlier this year. 

Also, their head coach, Leode Garcia was suspended throughout the season by Cesafi due to another violation last year. 

Martinez said that basketball was a highly-physical and highly-competitive sport, and that CBSAA was still a young team on its second Cesafi season. 

READ: CESAFI 2023: Bahay fires 32 points as Magis Eagles stretch winning streak to four

Review CBSAA’s eligibility warning

Thus, he requested the Cesafi officials to review their warning that CBSAA’s eligibility to participate next year would be jeopardized if a similar incident would happen in the future. 

“Perhaps we can also request Cesafi to provide clarity regarding the reasons and basis for their actions. One example as of late is the suspension of one of its players, the basis of which was a video sent via Facebook messenger which I don’t believe can readily serve as basis to suspend a player, fine him ₱10,000.00 and warn an entire team to take away its elegibility to play in next seasons games, ” said Martinez on his post.

He also said that SHS-AdC parents only voiced out complaints against CBSAA among all Cesafi schools they played in the ongoing high school basketball tournament. 

READ: Cesafi 2023: CRMC Mustangs shock USC Warriors

Explore other sports

He even advised them to explore other less physical sports than basketball. 

“One wonders if this stems from a sense of superiority, where they look down upon other players and believe their own children should be untouchable on the court. Perhaps they should explore other sports where physical contact is not involved if this is the case. It is worth noting that in all the contests between these two teams, not a single player from either side has ever suffered serious harm or injury,” said Martinez. 

Martinez also added that they never advocated unsportsmanlike conduct on their home team. But everyone must remember that these are young student-athleted who are still learning on the court. 

READ: Cesafi overturns Baby Panthers’ win, suspends player for alleged moonlighting outside league

Consider the circumstances

“We have always encouraged our players to give their best, to be resilient, to persevere, and to display strength. However, we never advocate for playing dirty. We believe in nurturing and preparing our athletes for their future, ” he said. 

“Please consider these circumstances and challenges before forming an opinion about our school, our athletes, and the situation at hand. Thank you for taking the time to understand our perspective,” Martinez said.

On the brighter side of this issue, the City of Bogo hosted a Cesafi pre-season basketball tournament for the past two seasons. In its first hosting, the Magis Eagles were one of its participants.

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