Dipolog downed North Cotabato, 3-0, to formalize its entry into the quarterfinals of the Philippine Football Federation Suzuki Under-23 National Cup on Sunday at the Tiongko Field in Davao City.

National team player Jerry Barbaso made a strong case for a return to active duty by putting his imprint on Dipolog’s three goals that snuffed the fight out of the visitors.

In the 37th minute, Barbaso dispossessed a Cotabato player of the ball, pressed forward and found line mate Emerlito Alcalde lingering just outside the box.

With two defenders on him, Alcalde swung the ball to left-winger Sergio Pellerin, who lofted a cross which midfielder Sparke Española headed past North Cotabato ’keeper James Alloro.

Three minutes later, Barbaso’s set piece from 30 yards out curled around the wall and veered right back in. The ball dipped and Alloro, caught flat-footed, had no chance.

With two minutes left before the half and North Cotabato sorely needing the respite, Dipolog was awarded another free kick. Wary of another direct kick, the North Cotabato wall stretched to deny Barbaso of another Roberto Carlos-type goal. But instead, the Azkal sent the ball in the middle of the box that striker Michael Tulang headed in for a commanding 3-0 lead.

Dipolog stepped up the attack in the second half and tacked on four more to make it 7-0. Michael Chua scored a brace (72, 76), while Tulang closed his regionals campaign with his third goal (74) in as many games.

Midfielder substitute Clifford Daypuyat added a most unlikely goal in the 85th minute when his cross, intended for a teammate, sailed right in.

Dipolog joined Davao which qualified a day earlier by virtue of its pair of 3-0 wins over Dipolog and North Cotabato. The home side drew with upset-minded Cagayan de Oro, 2-2, to close out the Mindanao regionals.

Despite giving up two points in the standings, Davao topped the group with a 2-0-1 record (7 points) while Dipolog finished second with a 2-0-1 slate (6 points).

The quarterfinals will feature two teams each from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR in a pair of single round robin group stages in Bacolod and Laguna from May 6 to 10.