NLEX looks at heading North

MANILA, Philippines — While other teams are inclined to go south to resume their training, the NLEX Road Warriors are considering heading north.

Road Warriors general manager and head coach Yeng Guiao identified Ilocos Norte, Subic and Clark as prospects for the team’s new practice hub while the nation’s capital remains under stricter quarantine status.

“We’re looking at three venues in the northern area which are under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ),” Guiao said in the squad’s official website.

Places under MGCQ have their advantages as the government allows a lot more activities there, including 5-on-5 scrimmages.

“Ilocos Norte, Subic and Clark are some of the areas we’re considering but there’s no definite decision yet,” stressed Guiao.

“Nakadepende yan kung saan mas madali magpa-approve ng permits at paperwork with the LGU (local government unit) and appropriate agencies in our desire to hold practices,” he added.

PBA teams have been confined to group workouts via zoom since late March, when the rise in new COVID-19 cases led to the imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and to modified ECQ.

The pro league is setting up the possible relocation of the ballclubs’ training to Batangas City, which is currently under GCQ. Commissioner Willie Marcial is set to meet with city officials on Friday to discuss the finer details of the eyed closed-circuit sessions.

While Batangas City looms as an alternative practice site, Marcial said the teams are free to go elsewhere under certain conditions.

“It has to be in MGCQ areas and they have to submit letters of approval from the task force (IATF), the Joint Administrative Order from DOH (Department of Health), GAB (Games and Amusements Board) and PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) and the LGU, and also present their protocols,” he said.

“If they comply with these four, they can practice,” he added.

The PBA is awaiting the IATF’s response to its request to start scrimmages in low-risk areas preparatory to its targeted season opening next month.