Jasha Gamao

The battle lines are drawn at the Paco Arena as the intense first round of eliminations for UNTV Cup Season 12 officially wraps up, trimming the field to the top eight surviving teams. 

The tournament's fierce format has forced four squads to bid an early farewell this season. 

The Senate Defenders, DOJ Radiance, NHA Home Masters, and GSIS Furies fought valiantly but ultimately saw their playoff hopes dashed, leaving fans hoping they will return much stronger next season.

In Bracket A, the Ombudsman Graftbusters lead the pack with absolute dominance, entering the next phase with a flawless 5-0 record.

Chasing closely behind are the PNP Responders and the COMELEC Vanguards, both securing comfortable spots with identical 3-2 records, while the PhilHealth Health Insurers wrap up the advancing Group A cast.

Meanwhile, Bracket B is spearheaded by the powerhouse AFP Cavaliers and the Judiciary Magis, who both command the top tier with impressive 4-1 records.

They are joined in the next stage by OP Bagong Pilipinas (3-2) and the DENR Lawin Patrollers (2-3).

With the dead weight cleared, the remaining public servant squads are now gearing up for an even more explosive second round of elimination games. 

The high-stakes hardcourt action resumes on July 1, 2026, staying live at the iconic Paco Arena. 

Do not miss a single possession as these elite teams tighten their defense and sharpen their plays for charity and ultimate glory, watch the much more intense basketball showcase of UNTV Cup Season 12 via livestream at UNTV Sports social media account.

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MANILA—The Judiciary Magis secured a thrilling, razor-thin 75-74 victory over the DENR Lawin Patrollers in UNTV Cup Season 12 on June 21, at the Paco Arena. 

The nail-biting win propels the Magis into the second round of eliminations with a dominant 4-1 win-loss record. 

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the Lawin Patrollers will also move forward to the next round, squeezing through with a 2-3 standing.

Ariel Capus anchored the Magis' hard-fought campaign, earning the Player of the Game honors after delivering an explosive double-double performance. 

Capus dominated the paint to finish with 10 points and 13 rebounds. 

He took it upon himself to play all-out in their final first-round elimination assignment, executing crucial stops and crucial buckets to effectively handcuff the resilient DENR squad in the tight contest.

Reflecting on their hard-earned victory, Capus credited their rigorous preparations and strict adherence to their game plan. 

“Nag-prepare talaga kami para sa DENR. So, yung sistema ni Coach Gilbert sinunod lang namin tsaka hindi namin pinabayaan yung conditioning namin tsaka yung sistema maayos na maayos,” Capus said in a post-game interview.

With their systems locked in and momentum on their side, Judiciary now gears up for tougher battles ahead in the next phase of the tournament.

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MANILA—The PNP Responders locked in a convincing 67-54 victory over the Senate Defenders during the UNTV Cup Season 12 showdown at the Paco Arena on June 21. 

The high-stakes triumph officially propels the Responders into the second round of elimination. 

Unfortunately for the Senate Defenders, the decisive defeat marks the end of their road this season, knocking them completely out of the tournament.

Anton Tolentino anchored the Responders' explosive offense to earn the well-deserved Best Player of the Game honors. 

Tolentino put on a clinical scoring display by contributing 20 points and recording 1 assist to systematically break down the Senate's defense. 

His hot hand kept the Responders firmly in control throughout the match, securing their pathway to the next stage of the competition.

Reflecting on his dominant performance, Tolentino credited his support system on the floor for giving him the ultimate green light. 

“Sabi ng coaches saka teammates ko, tumira lang daw ako eh. So, yun naman tumatama naman kaya awa ng Dios, shumu-shoot,” Tolentino shared. 

With momentum on their side and Tolentino leading the charge, the PNP Responders confidently march forward into the next round.

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QUEZON CITY—The Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified on June 22 that it has not received any official communication or court order regarding a supposed arrest warrant against Senator Rodante Marcoleta. 

The statement comes after Marcoleta claimed he received information about a looming arrest tied to complaints over the alleged non-disclosure of ₱75 million in campaign donations during the 2025 midterm elections. 

Speaking at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP information chief and spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co directly addressed the speculation, stating, "As of now, the PNP has not received any official communication regarding said warrant."

The police leadership emphasized that the force operates strictly within legal parameters and will not take action based on hearsay. 

In an official statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. made it clear that the police would strictly observe legal protocols and would not implement an arrest without a direct mandate from the courts. 

"The Philippine National Police has not issued any special operational directive concerning Senator Marcoleta, and we do not act on rumors or unverified information," Nartatez stressed.

Nartatez further underscored that the PNP respects the separation of powers and recognizes the exclusive authority of the judiciary in legal proceedings. 

He reiterated that the police force remains a neutral enforcement body that will only move when properly deputized by a judge. 

The PNP chief concluded that the organization "recognizes the exclusive authority of the courts to issue warrants and will act only when required by law."

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TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned a horrific school shooting at San Jose National High School on June 22, which left 3 learners dead and 5 others injured. 

Central Office officials immediately swarmed the campus alongside regional and division personnel to secure the premises and work directly with law enforcement. 

Labeling the tragedy a "high-alert situation," the department mobilized swift emergency measures to stabilize the campus environment.

“We strongly condemn this act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our earnest prayers for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” the DepEd stated. 

“Our Central Office officials, alongside regional and division office personnel, are actively on the ground, coordinating closely with school authorities and law enforcement to secure the premises and ensure safety, security, and protection.” DepEd added.

To counter the immediate trauma of the attack, DepEd is partnering with fellow government agencies to provide urgent medical aid and mental health services to the survivors. 

Authorities are simultaneously launching a full-scale investigation into the breach of school safety. 

“To address the immediate emotional toll of this tragedy, the Department is working hand-in-hand with relevant government agencies to deploy critical medical assistance and appropriate psychosocial interventions for the affected learners and personnel,” the department highlighted, while pleading with the public to protect the privacy of the affected children during the ongoing investigation.