Appropriate action is expected to be taken by the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) as it launches an internal investigation concerning its varsity men’s basketball team which allegedly conducted practices under a “training bubble” in Sorsogon, recently.
IPEA is the physical education department of the University of Santo Tomas,
IPEA officials, led by Fr. Jannel Novino Abogado, O.P., said in a statement that it will respond promptly following a meeting between University Athletic Association of the Philippines commissioner Rebo Saguisag and members of a joint task force composed of officials of the Philippine Sports Commission, the Games and Amusement Board and the Department of Health.
“We wish to assure you that the university does not tolerate any form of violation of government regulations, and it responds promptly by taking the appropriate action,” said the university in an official statement released online.
Saguisag got the nod of the joint task force formed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Games and Amusement Board, and the Department of Health to let an internal probe take place.
“While we adhere to the belief that physical activity can have a profoundly positive impact on the students’ physical and mental health, we believe that the undertaking should be done in compliance with the guidelines issued by the government,” the statement went on.
UST declined to meet with the group when they met Saturday via Zoom.
The University asked the coaching staff of the Growling Tigers, headed by Aldin Ayo, to forward their explanation to the IPEA.
From there, they will turn over their findings to the league, which is now under Season 83 host de La Salle University.
The group will meet with UAAP officials on Wednesday, and make decisions afterwards.
The joint body is verifying reports that the Growling Tigers conducted team practices early in the Bicol Region.
The practices, known as a training bubble, reportedly started last June.
Under a Joint Administrative Order, only professional leagues in basketball, football and boxing are allowed to resume training under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
And this incident is now being brought up since it be could be in violation of Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) rules.
The JAO has not discussed when non-professional sports will be able begin practices.
Sorsogon is now under Modified General Community Quarantine, where many forms of physical activities are allowed.
News of the Growling Tigers doing team practices in Sorsogon circulated after team captain CJ Cansino left the team and transferred to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons camp.