GAB to take stern action against violators of administrative order

Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chair Abraham “Baham” Mitra during the PSA Forum.

MANILA, Philippines — Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chair Abraham “Baham” Mitra vowed to be more stringent with violators of strict protocols among pro sports as parts of the country, including the National Capital Region (NCR), reverts back to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Mitra warned that the agency has the right to sanction any team or player committing an offense in line with the government’s safety guidelines due to the presence of the joint administrative order (JAO) signed by his office along with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Health (DOH).

“Since there’s is already a JAO and we are given that load, we are the ones who will impose sanctions,” said Mitra in Filipino during the PSA Forum Tuesday.

“In case something happens and there may be violations, we will be there.”

Pro leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association and the Philippines Football League as well as combat sports including boxing have already been given the go-signal to resume workouts under a general community quarantine (GCQ) setup.

But the surge of coronavirus cases in the country coupled with the medical community’s plea to reimpose strict lockdown measures, prompted the government to place Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal back to MECQ from Aug. 4 to 18.

Mitra ensures GAB will take stern action, especially against repeated violators.

“If they keep will keep doing it, we may have to impose a suspension or even revoke their professional license. We can do that because of the presence of JAO.”