UST to launch probe on ‘Bicol bubble’, says Baham Mitra

University of Santo Tomas will launch an internal investigation into the so-called Bicol bubble held by the Growling Tigers.

The Joint Administrative Order group — that consists of the Games and Amusement Board, Philippine Sports Commission, and Department of Health — called up officials from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and UST to a meeting regarding the “unauthorized practice” in Sorsogon, Saturday afternoon.

UST officials “respectfully declined” the invitation, though, while UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag represented the league.

In attendance were PSC National Training Director Marc Velasco, GAB Chairman Baham Mitra, Saguisag, UAAP Season 83 President Nonong Calanog, and DOH representative Rodley Carza.

UST, through Saguisag, though assured the JAO group that it will hold its own investigation.

“Attorney Rebo said that UST is conducting its own internal probe and promised to report to UAAP soonest,” disclosed GAB chairman Baham Mitra.

Rumors went rampant that the Growling Tigers are holding practice sessions in Sorsogon.

Videos, uncredited and lacking timestamps, also surfaced on social media last Friday.

Section V of JAO clearly states that recreational and non-professional contact sports and activities will not be allowed even in places under Modified General Community Quarantine “until an effective vaccine and/or appropriate standard of care for COVID-19 cases is developed”.

“The group agreed to remind everyone that the utmost importance is the safety of the players and students,” added Mitra.

UST also agreed to follow the same protocol GAB used in investigating pro team Blackwater of the PBA.

“We also agreed to follow the procedure of which the GAB investigated the Blackwater team and allowed the PBA to conduct its own probe and impose sanctions before we finally step in.”

The UAAP, on the other hand, cannot launch its own investigation as the league is in its off-season, so the activity is not under their jurisdiction.