UST to do own investigation into Tigers’ training ‘bubble’

UST head coach Aldin Ayo talking to former captain CJ Cansino. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Sports Commission on Saturday said University of Santo Tomas is doing its own investigation into the alleged training camp that Aldin Ayo conducted with the Growling Tigers in Sorsogon.

This after reports came out about a training “bubble” in Ayo’s home province despite the several levels of community quarantine imposed in the country. CJ Cansino reportedly left the camp, which caused him from getting cut from the team.

Cansino, though, refused to comment about the training camp, saying he’d rather wait for official statements. He has now committed to play for University of the Philippines.

The PSC invited UST to a meeting together with the UAAP, Department of Health, and Games and Amusements Board but the school declined and informed them that it will conduct its own investigation into the matter.

As per the rules of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases, only professional basketball and football clubs are allowed to partake in training. The Growling Tigers are a collegiate team.

“The PSC, recognizes the UAAP as the mother organization of the concerned team and trusts that proper actions shall be done on this matter,” said the PSC in a statement.

In the meeting were PSC National Training Director Marc Edward Velasco, GAB Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra, UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, UAAP Season 83 President Nonong Calanog, and DOH representative Rodley Carza.

“The PSC, at this point expresses its concern for the safety of the athletes. Above all considerations at this time, the safety of the athletes must always be paramount,” wrote the PSC.