BANGKOK – Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio said the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is not a cause for concern for Filipino athletes competing in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
Gregorio pointed to Cambodia's presence in the regional showcase, despite Thailand launching airstrikes on the country on Monday.
"Hindi po [dapat ikabahala]. Nakita niyo naman, pumarada rin ng Cambodia [sa opening ceremony]. So, I don't think we should be scared and I don't think we should think about it," he told POC Media on Tuesday.
"Ang isipin natin kung paano makakakuha ng medalya, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Southeast Asian Games, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Bangkok. Yan ang ano, sports tourism to eh. So, kung ano yung hidwaan ni Cambodia at Thailand, sana lang matapos na kaagad," Gregorio added.
Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia spread to more parts of their contested border on Tuesday, forcing a mass exodus of civilians.
READ: Cambodia-Thailand clashes spread on border as toll rises
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At least 10 soldiers and civilians have been killed on both sides in the latest spate of fighting, officials said, while more than 140,000 civilians have fled the areas near where jets, tanks and drones were waging battle.
Thailand and Cambodia dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier, where competing claims to historic temples can spill over into armed conflict.
According to Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, the issue between the two countries was not discussed at the SEA Games Council meeting on Monday, the eve of the opening ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the PSC chief said he has yet to hear concerns from the athletes and their families over the border disputes, which have spilled over until the regional showcase.
"Wala naman. Alam mo, nakakalungkot na may ganyan silang problema. Pero at the end of the day, you know, tayo sports is peace. Tayo sa Philippines, siyempre hinihikayat natin sila na magkasundo na sila," Gregorio said.
"Kasi one ASEAN ito, di ba? Lalo na tayo ang host ng ASEAN Summit in 2026. So sana dahil dito sa Southeast Asian Games, magkabati na sila sa kanilang hindi pagkaunawaan," he added.
Gregorio said the areas most affected by the conflict are far from where events for the regional showcase are being held.
Team Philippines aims to match or exceed the 58 gold medal count in the 2023 edition held in Cambodia.
The 33rd SEA Games will run until December 20 in Bangkok and Chonburi. -- with Agence France-Presse