Developer Exits Digital Realm: CM Farm Leaves Game
In the heart of PASSI City, Iloilo, chaos reigned on the third day of the thrilling Ilonggo Basketball League: Battle of Champions, held at the Passi City Arena on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The electrifying match between CM Farm and RKF Industrial and Installation Services hit a snag during the final 59 seconds of the third quarter when an intense altercation unfolded between Johnrey Sumido of RKF and CM Farm's power-forward EJ Agbong.
Tensions boiled over when Agbong's elbow collided with Sumido’s head, inciting a fury from the latter. Sumido and the RKF team claimed the incident was deliberate, a charge Agbong vehemently denied.
The heated exchange left Sumido stunned, causing him to retreat to the bench. However, the situation spiraled out of control when Sumido decided to confront Agbong, who was seated at CM Farm's bench. It took some quick thinking from game officials and Sumido's teammates to diffuse the escalating situation, halting the game temporarily.
When the game was to resume, organizers were taken aback as CM Farm forfeited the match. RKF was leading 73-60 at the time. The surprising decision was justified by CM Farm players citing safety concerns in the aftermath of the altercation.
Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares, however, played down the safety concerns. He asserted that Passi City had never witnessed any violence during major sporting events, including the recently-concluded Asia tournament. The Battle of Champions, organized by the Ilonggo Sports Events Management Services (ISEMS), marked the sole city hosting the competition - previously held in Pavia before moving to Passi City.
With RKF declared the winners by forfeiture, they solidified their position as sole leaders with a 3-0 record. Earlier in the competition, Team Khalifa, coached by Julius Cadavis, outshone Double 8 with an impressive 107-87 victory. Kobe Bryant Caballero scored an impressive 31 points, including seven three-pointers, while Kent Sanchez added 16 points with three triples. Khalifa now shares second place with Double 8, both holding a 2-1 record.
As for potential penalties or disciplinary actions stemming from the incident, information remains scarce. It's essential to note that depending on the league's rules and the nature of the altercation, penalties could include fines, forfeitures, or other sanctions for CM Farm. For RKF, their standing in the league may be affected if further penalties are incurred. [Source: Enrichment data]
- Despite the chaotic third day of the Ilonggo Basketball League: Battle of Champions in Passi City, Iloilo, the earlier Asia tournament in Passi City had passed without any reported violence.
- The incident between Johnrey Sumido of RKF and EJ Agbong of CM Farm during the match on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, left a significant impact on the competition, with CM Farm forfeiting the game.
- The forfeiture allowed RKF to solidify their leading position in the league with a 3-0 record, while Khalifa and Double 8 share second place with a 2-1 record. Kobe Bryant Caballero of Khalifa impressed with 31 points and seven three-pointers in their 107-87 victory over Double 8.
- Information about potential penalties or disciplinary actions for either CM Farm or RKF following the altercation between Sumido and Agbong is currently scarce.
- The Battle of Champions, organized by the Ilonggo Sports Events Management Services (ISEMS), moved from Pavia to Passi City for this year's competition.
- In the Sinulog city of Cebu, basketball fans will continue to closely monitor the Ilonggo Basketball League: Battle of Champions, hoping for a restart that resolves the issues surrounding the altercation between Sumido and Agbong.
