SBP sends words of support to FIBA Asia office in Lebanon


One of the structures damage by the cataclysmic blast in Beirut. (AFP)

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas sent a message of support to those working at the FIBA Asia office in Beirut after a massive explosion hit the Lebanese capital on Tuesday.

Online site Spin.ph reported that the FIBA Asia office suffered massive damage as a result of the blast that killed 135 people, including two Filipinos.

But all those working in the said office, including long-time FIBA official Hagop Khajirian, are safe according to the said website.

“To all our friends from the FIBA office in Beirut led by FIBA Executive Director for Asia Hagop Khajirian, we are hoping you and your loved ones are all safe and the SBP will continue to be your ally through this,” said SBP president Al Panlilio as quoted by Spin.

Beirut is a regular site of FIBA Asia competitions, mostly recently the 2017 Asia Cup won by Australia.

Gilas Pilipinas finished seventh in that competition.

Former Gilas coach Chot Reyes, Jimmy Alapag and Gabe Norwood the other day expressed their sympathy the other day to Lebanese basketball legend Fadi El-Khatib, who was in Dubai when the explosion occurred.

A fitness center which he serves as CEO and partner in Beirut also suffered damages.