PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the league has asked for assistance from the NBI in the investigation into the threatening messages that were posted on social media accounts belonging to Abarrientos and his partner. The threats were said to have come from disgruntled netizens who reportedly lost large sums in bets when Ginebra suffered a 108-104 loss to Meralco on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The threats started moments after Meralco forced a do-or-die Game 3 in their best-of-three series. The ire became hotter after the rookie guard missed a game-altering shot in the Kings’ final play that could have at least tied the game. In a game that saw the 12-point, three-assist, and two-steal effort of Abarrientos, the rookie guard himself faced an outpouring of online abuse.
After the game, many of the threats flooded his social media accounts, allegedly coming from two accounts believed to be bogus or dummy accounts. The 25-year-old guard, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the Season 49 draft, later took to social media to share his dismay to illustrate the psychological toll of the situation and even posted screenshots of death threats that were sent to him.
Commissioner Marcial expressed grave concern about Abarrientos’ safety and well-being, after which the rookie reported the threats to the Barangay Ginebra management. The PBA assured Abarrientos of their full support and promised to take action to address the issue, reminding them that player safety is their priority.
As the authorities are working to identify those responsible for the threats, the investigation proceeds. Meanwhile, fans and fellow players have rallied behind Abarrientos, condemning the online abuse and demanding a safer arena for athletes.
