The team announced the development on its social media on Tuesday evening, becoming the second team to not participate in the professional league.

“We regret to inform everyone that, with the ongoing pandemic, the Perlas management has decided to take a leave of absence in the upcoming PVL tournament,” the team said in its announcement. 

“We wish the tournament well and we continue to support the growth of Philippine volleyball,” the team added.

The Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors was the other team that opted out from the tourney, citing also the ongoing pandemic situation for their leave of absence.

Ever since starting their PVL campaign in 2017, Perlas Spikers currently holds three bronze medals which they bagged from the 2018 season and in the 2019 Open Conference. 

Perlas Spikers struggled their campaign last season after their bubble training camp in Baguio was cut short after players got infected with Covid-19.

The volleyball club also saw their first week of the season derailed due to a delegation member contracting the virus upon the team’s entry into the Ilocos Norte bubble.

Also, some of its players have already made their transfers to other PVL clubs prior to Perlas’ announcement.

Dzi Gervacio has signed with F2 Logistics, while Jem Ferrer and Cherry Nunag moved to Choco Mucho as Gel Cayuna teamed up with Cignal. On Tuesday, Nicole Tiamzon joined Petro Gazz.