Philippines Withdraws from Hosting 2019 SEA Games

The Philippine government withdrew its hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEAG) Games due to current situation in Mindanao and threat of terrorism and atrocities.

Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) made the announcement during a press conference on Friday.

In his letter dated July 21 to Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Ramirez said, “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.”

“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 further said : “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.