False alarm: PBA, PFL intact

Inside the bubble

MANILA, Philippines — The bubble remains intact for both Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippines Football League (PFL).

The two pro leagues heaved a sigh of relief after follow-up tests on those who initially tested positive came out negative, allaying fears that the safety of their bubbles has been compromised.

Malacañang, meanwhile, believes that the PBA bubble has not been breached.

“This has been addressed. The bubble is still intact,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said yesterday.

A day after a “suspect case” from among the players’ ranks sprouted, the PBA was pleased to hear that the concerned Blackwater cager tested negative in subsequent antigen and RT-PCR testing.

The Blackwater mainstay, though, will remain in quarantine at the New Clark City Athletes’ Village until he completes the required 10-day period and tests negative again prior to re-entering the bubble.

The PBA noted that the player’s situation mirrored that of Case No. 1, involving a referee, which turned out to be a false positive. The game official should be back in Clark once he meets the requirements.

Asia’s first play-for-play loop also reported that the teams that had “close contact” with the Blackwater – TNT Tropang Giga and Alaska – all tested negative. Ditto officials, staff and referees, TV5 delegates, and Quest Hotel staff.

“The PBA bubble remains intact and has not been breached,” the pro league said. “Nevertheless, we urge all participants to be extra cautious and strictly follow the protocols set for them inside the bubble.”

As “precautionary measure,” the PBA postponed the scheduled Blackwater-Rain or Shine matchup last Sunday as well as the TNT-NorthPort duel set last night.

The PFL, meanwhile, moved its season kickoff tomorrow after postponing the original start last Sunday due to positive results on some players, and the prevailing weather.

“Following positive results on players from two clubs and their isolation, all players, coaches, and staff underwent antigen tests last Sunday inside the league’s bubble in Seda Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna. All had negative results,” it said.

The revised opener at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite pits United City FC against the Azkals Development Team (ADT) at 4:30 p.m. and Kaya Iloilo versus Maharlika FC at 8 p.m.