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Philippines Withdraw From 2019 SEA Games Hosting Due To Marawi Conflict


The Philippines have confirmed their withdrawal from hosting the 2019 SEA Games, citing the government’s decision to pull out funding and use the money instead for the restoration of conflict-hit areas in Mindanao.

According to a letter the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez has sent to Philippine Olympic Committee president (POC) Jose Cojuangco, the “problem of terrorism and atrocities” in Marawi, Mindanao is stated as the reason for this decision.


“The government accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN 2017 to be world’s partner of change with great enthusiasm and eagerness. It is in the manner it showed interest in hosting the 2019 30th SEA Games,” the PSC chairman said.

“However, due to the current situation in Mindanao and the problem in terrorism and atrocities, we regret to inform you that we will no longer push through with the hosting of the biennial event. It has been resolved that the government resources be focused in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Mindanao specifically Marawi.”

Ramirez, however, said that the government of President Rodrigo Duterte is giving its all-out support to the athletes set to compete in the Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia edition of the SEA Games on August 19 to 31 where the PSC allocated around P279 million spending for the country’s participation.

“Rest assure that we would always support our national athletes in their quest for medals and honors in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur this August until na 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” he said.

“Further, when all is clear and order has improve after the 2020 Olympics and in the future, we are positive and willing to host the SEA Games and any other international sporting event,” he added.

POC has the authority to withdraw from the event but without government assistance and support, hosting such international sports meet would be difficult.

Previously, the Philippines hosted the SEA Games in 2005 where the country won the overall championship with 113 gold, 84 silver and 94 bronze medals.

Since then the country’s performance declined, finishing sixth two years ago in Singapore with just 29-36-66 gold-silver-bronze medal haul.


Sources: ANC, Football Tribe
Philippines Withdraw From 2019 SEA Games Hosting Due To Marawi Conflict Philippines Withdraw From 2019 SEA Games Hosting Due To Marawi Conflict Reviewed by Yen on July 28, 2017 Rating: 5

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