PNP finds Aldin Ayo 'not liable' for breach of IATF protocols in UST bubble

Resigned University of Santo Tomas head coach Aldin Ayo is "not liable" for the alleged breach of health protocols regarding the team's bubble training, Sorsogon City police said.

According to a series of tweets from The Varsitarian, the official  student publication of UST, the incident report said there was no sanctioned team practice held at Ayo's camp.

The report also said those who joined the UST bubble had documents proving they were not COVID-19 persons under monitoring, did not have COVID-19 symptoms, underwent testing a week prior to their travel, and secured travel documents from Joint Task Force COVID Shield.

The Varsitarian also released a letter from Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero, saying the UST bubble did not conduct prohibited basketball activities.

The Commission on Higher Education earlier said there was training done in Sorsogon based on its fact-finding efforts.

"Based on the letter response of UST... it is clear that there was really a training done in Sorsogon involving UST basketball players," said CHED chairperson Popoy De Vera.

He added, however, that possible violations will have to be determined by the Department of Justice and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The Varsitarian said that according to the PNP report, the bubble "focused mainly on agricultural activities" and not basketball training.

The barangay captain also certified that the individuals underwent a 14-day quarantine prior to the "personal development farm training."

"Only when not engaged in farm work were players allowed to conduct individual training and not team practice as previously alleged by CJ Cansino," The Varsitarian tweeted.

Ayo was indefinitely banned by the UAAP last September 9, citing "endangering the health and well-being of the student athletes" as the reason for the decision. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP/NB, GMA News