THE Blackwater Elite top executives led by team owner Dioceldo Sy met with Games and Amusement Board (GAB) officials late Monday, July 20, and explained about the reported team practice that allegedly failed to comply with the existing health and safety protocols required by the IATF and the Department of Health.

GAB Abraham Khalil "Baham" Mitra said he, alongside Commissioner Edward Trinidad, met Sy to discuss the recent report that prompted the government agency to issue a letter to Blackwater.

"We have accepted their apology but, the Board needs to study further their reply to our letter if we will sanction or fine them as Commissioner Mar Masanguid is still in Davao," Mitra said.

"[But] They promised to adhere to all the rules and safety standards as well as the directives of the IATF and GAB," he added.

It was recalled that the GAB letter has asked Blackwater to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against the team.

"We have also asked them to wait for the IATF resolution and GAB-PSC-DOH Joint Administrative Order (JAO) before any practice so as not to jeopardize our efforts to resume the league's practice," Mitra added.

Mitra said a stern warning may be issued by GAB to Blackwater to refrain from any practice in the meantime while the order has yet to come out. "This was the same statement that GAB made to the Philippine Football League."

The JAO will serve as the implementing guidelines that will govern the conduct of professional and non-professional sports training while the country is under community quarantine.