University of Santo Tomas and Aldin Ayo have come under fire following the alleged training sessions of the Growling Tigers in Sorsogon over the past few months.
In a statement released Sunday evening, Ayo neither confirmed nor denied the allegations thrown at him.
As the school is investigating the matter, the two-time collegiate champion coach would rather keep silent and cooperate with the school’s fact-finding committee.
“Regarding the alleged ‘bubble training’ in Sorsogon, I will not comment for now as UST is already investigating the matter as well as the IATF,” his statement read.
“I am fully cooperating with the on-going investigations and praying that in due time, this will be properly addressed.”
Since last Friday, unmarked videos and photos from ABC gym in Sorsogon have been circulating on social media.
Then on Sunday, Abac Cordero of the Philippine Star obtained a copy of the alleged waiver parents had to sign to clear the team of any damages if something wrong happens in the said camp.
Training for non-professional teams under any of the four variations of quarantine in the country has been strictly barred by the Inter-agency Task Force as recommended by the Games and Amusement Board, Department of Health, and Philippine Sports Commission.
Ayo, who again neither confirmed nor denied the existence of such a bubble, closed his statement in saying that he, just like everyone else, hopes that the “normal” comes sooner rather than later.
“We fervently hope that our government, with our cooperation and active participation, find ways to effectively address the debilitating pandemic in our country so that we may be able to resume certain normalcy where we could return to the game we passionately love and give our utmost drawing the best out of each one in pursuit of total human development.”
