Mindanao as 2019 SEA Games venue not ideal

By Jesse C. Ong 

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez reiterated his earlier stand against holding any event in Davao City when the country hosts the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the face of the mounting unrest in Mindanao. 

Ramirez underscored his earlier proposal that the biennial meet be held in Manila and nearby areas following the declaration of martial law in the island due to the clashes between government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province.

According to a report published by online sports website spin.ph, the government sports body chief said the SEA Games can be staged without risking the security of athletes, coaches and other delegates.

Ramirez, however, noted that the final decision on what cities will host SEA Games events still hinges on the Philippine organizing committee, headed by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose Cojuangco Jr.

Cojuangco had been pining for events in the SEA Games to be held in Davao City, where President Rodrigo Duterte was a former mayor.

Duterte declared martial law on May 23 following attacks in Marawi City by the Maute group, forcing citizens in the city and nearby areas to evacuate.