Children’s Games on; PSC cancels Marawi meet

MANILA, Philippines - Although it already cut short the ongoing Philippine Sports Institute seminar and consultative meeting with LGUs in violence-hit Marawi City, the Philippine Sports Commission said it was proceeding with the Mindanao Children’s Games in Davao City as scheduled beginning today.

The PSC’s event in Marawi was supposed to last til Thursday but chairman Butch Ramirez said yesterday they decided to terminate it due to turn of events. Alleged terror group Maute seized portions of Marawi City and fought with police and military forces, prompting the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao Tuesday night.

“Stop na. People have left Marawi already and it’s very obvious we have to stop our activity there (Marawi),” Ramirez said in a statement.

Ramirez said they have arranged for the transport and security of the PSC delegation, including Elma Muros Posadas and her husband coach Jojo, out of Marawi and into safer ground.

“On the way na sila ngayon going to Iligan then (PSC executive assistant) Ronnel (Abrenica) is trying to meet them somewhere and bring them to Davao for debriefing and some form of entertainment at Paradise Island,” he said.

Ramirez said he’s more focused than ever to use sports as a vehicle for peace.“I know it can be dangerous, but again, we will always be guided by local and police leadership if we will continue or not,” he said.

With Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte affirming that the Children’s Games will push through, Ramirez declared the three-day event at Davao’s Rizal Park a go.

“It’s part of Mindanao Sports for Peace Program. And this is a Summer Sports Program for the Children. We would like to show to the world that peace-making starts with the children,” he said.

Mayor Duterte, who ordered heightened security in Davao following fighting in Marawi, reminded that all activities should be limited in the mornings and early afternoons only.

Thirty barangays are taking part in the Mindanao Children’s Games, which features 3x3 basketball for boys, volleyball for girls and “larong Pinoy” games.