UST to conduct probe into alleged breach of protocols of Growling Tigers

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) created a committee to investigate the alleged breach of quarantine protocols of the Growling Tigers in Sorsogon.

In a statement issued on Sunday, UST said physical activity should observe the guidelines issued by the government in light of the COVID-19 threat.

“Today, we heard the news about the alleged breach of quarantine protocols by the UST Basketball Team in Sorsogon. Accordingly, we created a committee to investigate and to inquire into the matter,” it said.

Sorsogon is UST Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo's hometown.

Gov't guidelines

While acknowledging the benefits of physical activity on students' physical and mental health, UST pointed out that it should comply with the government’s guidelines.

“We always endeavor to support the concerted government efforts to ensure that proper social and physical environments are in place,” UST said.

“We wish to assure you that the University does not tolerate any form of violation of government regulation, and it responds promptly by taking the appropriate action,” the university added.

The UST basketball team was allegedly conducting training in Sorsogon, despite guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on physical activities and sports in light of the COVID-19 threat.

Under government guidelines implemented to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, sporting events are not allowed under community quarantine. In May, however, only non-contact sports such as badminton and tennis were allowed in areas under general community quarantine.

On Saturday, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) initiated a meeting with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Department of Health (DOH), and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to discuss the issue.

According to PSC, the university “respectfully declined the invitation” to join the meeting.

“We were informed that the university concerned is now conducting their own investigation and that UAAP shall share information in the following days,” PSC said.

In a separate statement, the UAAP said it will listen first to UST's side regarding the alleged training 'bubble.'

"Part and parcel of elementary due process is the right to be heard. All agencies agreed to wait for the report of UST," the UAAP said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, UST student publication The Varsitarian reported that “UST Growling Tigers and Season 82 team captain CJ Cansino have agreed to part ways” but did not cite the reason.

Cansino revealed on Friday that he was taken off the team. “Bigyan lang ako ng isang rason para hindi lumipat, maglalaro pa rin ako sa UST. Kaya lang, tinanggal ako eh,” he said in a statement.

The same day, Cansino and UP confirmed his transfer to the Fighting Maroons.

In an interview, Cansino did not confirm nor deny whether his former team had a training bubble in Sorsogon.

"Humihingi ako ng sorry sa mga tao na humihingi ng sagot na 'yun, lalo na sa UST fans, dahil ayoko na magsalita," Cansino said in an interview with volleyball star Mela Tunay in her online show "Anong Tunay?"

"Respeto na lang sa UST and sa mga teammate ko. Ayoko na lang din sakin manggaling 'yun kasi kung sakin manggaling 'yun, alam kong masisira 'yung team, alam ko ang mangyayari sa UST. Sila na lang ang bahala na mag-confirm noon dahil out na ako diyan," said the former King Tiger. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News