THE National University women’s volleyball squad allegedly held workouts despite the government’s stringent COVID-19 health protocols.
It appears the men’s team and others did, too.
In a vlog posted by back-up setter Benok Ancheta last month, some members of the Bulldogs and other athletes were seen doing workouts in the parking area of Jhocson Residences, the school’s dormitory for athletes.
Among those caught in the video were Ajhay Asaad Abdul of the men’s volleyball team, Jennifer Nierva of the Lady Bulldogs, Rhena Itesi of women’s basketball, Genard Guerrero of boys volleyball, and Shaira Jardio and Camilla Lamina of girls volleyball.
Men’s volleyball team coach Dante Alinsunurin cannot be reached for comment yesterday, while women’s tactician Norman Miguel is still tightlipped on the issue.
NU athletic director Otie Camangian told the Sports Joint Administrative Order group that the athletes were stranded in the dorm at the start of the government-imposed lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly pulmonary disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Ancheta said in his vlog he decided to stay for his stranded teammates.
“Sinamahan ko iyong teammates ko na hindi nakauwi noong time na before mag-lockdown,” he said.
Metro Manila was placed under the strict enhanced community quarantine last March 17.
The 82nd UAAP season, including the women’s volleyball tournament, was called off for good last April 7.
A reliable source told Malaya-Business Insight in a previous interview that the NU lady spikers were left stranded at their dormitory located just across the school at the start of the pandemic.
The Commission on Higher Education has issued a show cause order to NU for violating its advisories that “prohibited mass gatherings such as ceremonies and school activities, until the IATF prohibition is lifted.”
The Sports JAO group, composed of the Games and Amusements Board, Department of Health, and Philippine Sports Commission also submitted to the DOJ and DILG last Monday a report for possible violations of IATF and local ordinances rules.