PBA reinstates Calvin Abueva, postpones Blackwater vs Rain or Shine match

The PBA has finally lifted the suspension on Calvin Abueva after 16 long months.

League commissioner Willie Marcial announced the decision on Sunday morning and disclosed that the Phoenix Super LPG forward can play in the team’s next assignment.

“Nili-lift ko na ang suspension ni Calvin. Reinstated na siya,” said Marcial during a press briefing.

“Tuwang-tuwa siya (Abueva) at sabi niya gagawin niya ang lahat matapos siyang mabigyan ng pangalawang pagkakataon na makalaro sa PBA,” he added.

The Fuel Masters currently tote a 3-2 card and will return to action on Monday, October 26 against the NLEX Road Warriors.

The league also announced the postponement of the Blackwater vs Rain or Shine game originally set for 4:00pm on Sunday, October 25 after an Elite player tested positive for COVID-19.

This development was reported by Marcial together with medical consultant Dr. Raul Canlas, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority CEO Vince Dizon.

“Yung ating PBA player na may lumabas na positive result kagabi, na-isolate na. We’re asking the PBA to conduct an Antigen and RT-PCR for the player who tested positive,” said Dizon.

The entire Blackwater team has already been placed on isolation while the said player was immediately brought to the quarantine center in Capas, Tarlac.

The main event on Sunday between Brgy. Ginebra and Magnolia, however, will proceed as scheduled.

“Cancelled ang first game. Pero tuloy ang Manila Clasico,” said Marcial.

“We’ll put Rain or Shine vs Blackwater on a different date. Most likely, isa pang triple-header,’ added deputy Eric Castro.

Despite the incident, Canlas and Dizon insisted that the PBA bubble is still intact.

“There is no reason to say that the bubble has been breached. The protocols have been followed,” said Dizon.

“Rest assured, the protocols we have applied are working,” added Canlas.