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
Sources: ANC, Football Tribe
Philippines Withdraw From 2019 SEA Games Hosting Due To Marawi Conflict
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July 28, 2017
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