The Philippine government withdrew its hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) due to current situation in Mindanao and threat of terrorism and atrocities.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez made the announcement during a press conference on Friday.
“However, due to the current situation in Mindanao and the problem of terrorism and atrocities, we regret to inform you that we will no longer pushed through with the hosting of the biennial meet. It has been resolved, that Government resources be focused in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Mindanao specially Marawi,” Ramirez said in a letter addressed to Jose Cojuangco, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
He added, “Rest assured that we would always support our national athletes in their quest medals and honors in the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur this August until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Further, when all is clear and peace and order had improved after 2020 Olympics and the future, we are positive and willing to host the SEA Games or any other international sporting events,” the PSC official stressed.
Based on record, the Philippines hosted the regional sports meet for three times– first in 1981, followed in 1991 and 2005 where the Philippines captured the overall championship.
(Report via PNA)
Photo credits: Gerard Yuvallos, Flickr
