Jonas Tibayan in the ambulance that brought him to the hospital. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Mindoro player Jonas Tibayan underwent successful surgery to repair injuries from a violent hit by Michole Sorela of the Gensan Warriors during a Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) game.
Mindoro team owner Jennifer M. Cruz gave a positive update on the Tamaraws swingman on Wednesday, detailing his injuries and the medical procedures performed.
READ: Jonas Tibayan’s injuries lead to lifetime ban for Michole Solera
“The medical procedure that was done on Jonas Tibayan was successful…After hours of operation yesterday, the injuries on Jonas’ jaw, cheek and teeth were fixed,” wrote the team owner in Filipino.
“According to the doctors, he had multiple lacerations inside his mouth while his front teeth were also shattered. After hours of surgery, they got his teeth back in place with arch bars. For now, he’s safe and currently in the hospital, recovering.”
Tibayan sustained multiple injuries Monday night during the 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season game after Sorela caught him with a closed-fist haymaker that sent him sprawling to the floor before being stretchered out of the arena.
According to the league, Tibayan suffered a concussion, broken jaw, busted lip, and fractured shoulder.
Mindoro pursuing case
Sorela was fined ₱200,000 and banned for life from the MPBL.
However, Cruz said she is intent on “pursuing legal action” against the former Gensan player to ensure accountability.
“We are still awaiting the decision of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) on whether he will be stripped of his professional license to play. In addition, we are pursuing legal action to ensure accountability,” wrote Cruz in a different post on Tuesday.
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League commissioner Kenneth Duremdes also condemned the incident, stressing that the MPBL does not condone such acts.
“We condemn the incident, and the MPBL won’t tolerate such actions. It compromises the player’s safety and taints the league’s image,” Duremdes said in a statement. “I’ve seen the worst (in basketball) and this is one of them. The league has the full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable behavior.”
As of writing, Sorela has yet to issue a statement on his actions, which left Tibayan with serious injuries.
