PSC starts probe on alleged UST training ‘bubble’ in Sorsogon

UST head coach Aldin Ayo. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to begin Saturday its probe of University of Santo Tomas’ alleged breach of quarantine protocols in Bicol province, the Inquirer has learned.

Chairman Butch Ramirez said the agency has obtained a copy of the video showing the Growling Tigers’ practice in Sorsogon City.

“My people will meet the UAAP officials this afternoon for a deeper information (sic) why they were violating the medical protocols [and] endangering the lives of UST …players,” he told the Inquirer.

The monitoring of amateur sports falls under the PSC according to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ only Joint Administrative Order thus far that details guidelines for sports and health-enhancing physical activities.

As things stand, only professional basketball, football, and combat sports are allowed to hold training and conditioning sessions, and such clearance varies depending on a certain area’s quarantine designation or its risk severity level.

The University Athletics Association of the Philippines, through its executive director Rebo Saguisag, said Friday that each member school had been reminded to police its ranks and to be aware of the IATF JAO’s quarantine classifications.

UST is under harsh spotlight after its young, star-in-the-making skipper CJ Cansino announced he had left the team late Thursday night and committed to the University of the Philippines the next day.

According to Sources, Cansino reportedly had an agreement with his coach, Aldin Ayo, over the harsh conditions in the training “bubble.”

Undated and uncredited videos and photos of the Growling Tigers training in a certain ABC Ideas Gymnasium circulated online also on Friday.

A facility of the same name is situated in Sorsogon City, where the team has routinely held offseason training.

The images have since been taken down.

Ayo has yet to respond to requests for comments.

Ramirez said he will share reports on the matter “soon.”