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SBP chief Panlilio supports PSC's call as Gilas bubble called off

Gilas Pilipinas will need to wait a little while before resuming their practice due to the new lockdown in Calamba. From the Inspire Sports Academy's Facebook page
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio admitted that the Philippine Sports Commission's decision to break all the national team training bubbles within NCR Plus was a huge blow to Gilas Pilipinas' early gear-up for their upcoming competitions this June.

"The timing is unfortunate because our Gilas Pilipinas pool has been putting a lot of work to prepare for FIBA competitions in the coming months," Panlilio said on Monday.

PSC deputy executive director Reina Evangelista released an advisory postponing all the national athletes' physical group training either in Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, or Cavite as the said areas were placed under enhanced community quarantine for the Holy Week following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

[Related Story: PSC calls off national team training in NCR Plus amid Holy Week ECQ]

Under this lockdown, all fitness activities done in groups are not allowed, including team practices.

Gilas has been practicing at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba along with the national teams for taekwondo and karatedo in their own gear-ups for the Olympic qualifiers.

Despite the setback, Panlilio said that the SBP will continue to support the PSC in their drive to keep the national athletes safe and healthy amid the pandemic.

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

For now, Panlilio added, "We all have to hunker down and stay safe at home."

He then thanked "our players, coaches, and staff for soldiering on amidst the difficult situation."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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