The exit of the national team in the Calamba bubble due to the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in the country made Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panilio rued about another setback for the squad, but added that it respects Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) order.

“As always, we will remain supportive of the decisions coming from the PSC, and will also strictly follow the relevant precautionary measures from the Department of Health and the IATF,” Panlilio said.

“The timing is unfortunate because our Gilas Pilipinas pool has been putting a lot of work to prepare for the FIBA competitions in the coming months. It’s been a difficult stretch for the SBP and the team as COVID-19 has affected so many of our plans, but we have no other choice but to adjust and move forward,” he continued.

In light of the memorandum issued last Saturday, the government placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal under ECQ from March 29 to April 4.

The PSC also announced an order to all National Sports Associations (NSAs) that all ‘indoor and outdoor training of all national team members within the affected areas are temporarily suspended.’

Gilas broke camp during the second week of February but then entered what is now known as “Calambubble” earlier this March as it held training for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament in June and the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. 

“Right now, we all have to hunker down and stay safe at home. We thank our players, coaches, and staff for soldiering on amidst the difficult situation,” Panlilio added.