Ayo doubles down on farming claims, feels ‘vindicated’ by PNP decision

Exiled head coach Aldin Ayo says he feels “vindicated” following the findings released by the Sorsogon City PNP and Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero on the UST Growling Tigers’ training camp.

“I feel vindicated by the result of the Sorsogon City PNP investigation on the alleged IATF violations in our activity in Capuy, Sorsogon,” he said in a statement released on October 2, Friday.

Both the Sorsogon City PNP and Escudero’s office declared on Wednesday, September 30, that the former UST tactician was “not liable” for any Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) violations regarding the activities held in his hometown with his former team.

After more than a month being under fire and scrutiny for allegedly holding basketball training sessions with the Tigers, Ayo claimed they did no more than farming seminars, an activity first brought to light by UST school paper The Varsitarian.

“This is no ordinary time. Times are hard. Many athletes coming from the provinces have in fact gone back to farming due to the pandemic and community quarantines imposed by the government,” said Ayo.

“I also went back home to my own farm, and this, I wanted to share with those individuals who also desired to come to my place. We can continue to be productive amidst the pandemic and community quarantines; but, still respecting government regulations,” the statement continued.

“In fact, our government encourages agricultural pursuit especially in these times of crisis and economic depression.”

Ayo hopes the findings of Sorsogon’s LGUs can be a catalyst for the UAAP to reconsider his indefinite suspension from the league. 

“It is a big boost to my appeal for a reconsideration of the UAAP indefinite ban imposed upon me,” he said. 

“I have dutifully raised matters overlooked by the UST fact-finding committee in their findings which became the basis for the UAAP decision. These pertinent matters, if properly considered, may significantly alter the decision of the UAAP Board,” he said in the statement.

Ayo, who has been banned by the UAAP for “endangering” athletes when he hosted a team bubble, also hopes for more favorable conclusions on his case. (READ: Master of Mayhem: How Aldin Ayo’s coaching career unraveled)

So far, the Commission on Higher Education, which first confirmed the existence of the bubble, and the Department of Justice are still conducting their own separate investigations on the matter.

“The result of the investigation conducted by the proper government authorities, the PNP on the ground – at my house and farm, will certainly complement my position on the matter: that I have not in any way violated any national and local government health protocol or IATF regulations,” said Ayo.

Since the Bicol bubble popped late August, a total of 7 players from the UAAP Season 82 finals squad have left the team, namely former captain CJ Cansino, Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, Ira Bataller, Jun Asuncion, Deo Cuajao, and Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy.

“It is understandable that many people will find it hard to believe that basketball players can also be engaged in farm work and training, and planting trees. But if it is the truth, then it is. For truth is stranger than fiction,” Ayo said.

“Come to my house and farm in Capuy, Sorsogon, and see for yourself.” – Rappler.com