The Board of Managing Directors of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines decided to elevate the issue of University of Santo Tomas' training camp to the UAAP Board of Trustees, recommending further inquiry and possible sanctions on the team and its head coach Aldin Ayo.
“The discussion covered compliance with government-issued guidelines and protocols on the conduct of school and athletic activities during the community quarantine,” said the league in a statement.
The decision to hold Ayo responsible for holding a Tigers' training camp in Capuy, Sorsogon without clearance from government authorities was unanimous, according to sources.
“Following a lengthy discussion, the UAAP BMD drafted its recommendations, which will be submitted to the UAAP Board of Trustees for review and approval,” said the BMD in a statement.
The camp was found in violation of safety and health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases at a time many cities and provinces were undergoing lockdowns to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
It will now be up to the Board of Trustees, made up of the eight member schools' presidents, to discuss and decide on what penalties and sanctions to be slapped on the Tigers.
“The UAAP understands the gravity of the matter as it concerns the safety and well-being of student-athletes of a member-school,” said the board.
There is no word yet on the case of National University women’s volleyball team and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, which were also allegedly involved in training sessions.
Meanwhile, Ayo reportedly tendered his resignation yesterday.
Sources are still confirming if Ayo's decision has been formally accepted by the officials of the university.
Ayo is reportedly returning to the Colegio de San Letran, where the Knights won a varsity cage title in 2015 with him as coach.