The Philippine Sports Commission eased any worry for the 1,600-strong Philippine contingent of delegates currently in Thailand amid border issues with Cambodia.
NONTHABURI — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said that there is nothing to be alarmed about for the Philippine team as they compete in the SEA Games 2025 Thailand in the coming weeks even as host country Thailand engages in political tensions with Cambodia.
Following disputes on border issues, Thailand and Cambodia engaged in combat just as the SEA Games was about to unfurl in the capital city of Bangkok, with the opening ceremonies marking the beginning of the biennial meet on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday morning, Cambodia informed Thai organizers that they are withdrawing from the Games.
But for PSC Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, there isn’t much threat to the safety of the athletes, especially as a record number of delegates are currently deployed here.
“Wala naman [sila dapat ikabahala]. Nakita nyo naman, pumarada rin ang Cambodia. So, I don't think we should be scared and I don't think we should think about it,” Gregorio told POC Media after the opening ceremony where Cambodia joined the festivities.
“Ang isipin natin kung paano makakakuha ng medalya, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Southeast Asian Games, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Bangkok.”
Gregorio’s sentiments mirrored those of his Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino who said that there were no discussions of the issue during the SEA Games council meeting earlier this week.
[READ: No talks of politics in SEA Games amid Thailand-Cambodia tensions — POC]
Promoting peace
At the end of the day, Gregorio is hopeful that all conflicts will be resolved in a peaceful manner.
With the Philippines set to host leaders of ASEAN countries next year, he believes that there is a way to manage the issue without anyone getting hurt.
“Alam mo, nakakalungkot na may ganyan silang problema. Pero at the end of the day, you know, tayo sports is peace. Tayo sa Philippines, syempre hinihikayat natin sila na magkasundo na sila. Kasi one ASEAN ito, di ba? Lalo na tayo ang host ng ASEAN Summit in 2026.” said Gregorio.
“So sana dahil dito sa Southeast Asian Games, magkabati na sila sa kanilang hindi pag-uunawaan.”
Regardless of the issues currently surrounding Thailand and Cambodia, the biennial meet is getting into full swing with a full timetable of competitions slated beginning Wednesday, December 10.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.