The JAO group and CHED hope that UST has already resolved the matter and took final action by that time after alleged training practices were held amid restrictions.

De Vera III said that since March “safety of our students is the topmost concern” guidelines are in line with the JAO on the conduct of physical activities and sports that was put together by the Department of Health, Philippine Sports Commission, and Games and Amusement Board.

UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag and UAAP Season 83 President Nonong Calanog of De La Salle University said UST is now finalizing internal investigation and they expect to receive the final report before their meeting on Friday, August 28.

“UST has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter. They are wrapping up their investigation and will be forwarding the result to the Rector’s office on Thursday, August 27,” Saguisag said.

Saugisag also stressed that the UAAP is committed to protecting the health and safety of each of its student-athletes.

“We firmly adhere to the government policies and directives that require our collective commitment to manage the challenges of pandemic. We have reminded our members regarding the proper conduct of sports activities at this time,” he added.

In the same development, videos of the alleged training session have surfaced on social media, and CJ Cansino posted screenshots of the UST players’ group chat with their parents, where they expressed their concerns about their situation in Sorsogon.

“Hindi po naming nagugustuhan yung food ditto at konti lang kasi kaya yung iba sa main umoorder ng fast food kaso ang problema, nung nagkasakit yung iba sa amin, sa amin sinisisi kung bakit kami nagkasakit pero sa tingin naming dahil sa luto nila puro pork at mamantika,” Cansino wrote in the group chat.

Other players including Brent Paraiso, Soulmane Chabi Yo, and Ira Bataller supported Cansino’s claim.

“Tska po yung bigay ng food sobrang sakto lang po. Never po naging sobra yung ulam an binibigay sa amin. Tapos sobrang dami po natitira na ulam sa kanila, pero di binibigay sa amin,” Paraiso wrote.

“Sabi po sa amin ng nagluluto dito, bago pa daw kami pumunta dito, may sakit na daw kami,” Bataller commented.

“Me I’m just trying to adjust, but it’s difficult. Homesick, very bored here, poor signal, different routine from what we used to,” Chabi Yo added.