Marawi crisis prompts PSC to withdraw 2019 SEAG hosting

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Friday announced that the country is withdrawing as host for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

 

PSC chairman Butch Ramirez in a press conference said the hosting will not push through because of the situation in Marawi.

 

"It has been resolved, that Government resources be focused in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Mindanao specially Marawi," read Ramirez's letter addressed to Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose S. Cojuango Jr.

 

The 2019 SEA Games was supposed to be held in Brunei, but the country backed off due to lack of facilities and preparation.

 

The Philippines expressed interest in hosting the biennial sports event. In 2016, it was announced that Davao City will be the host, replacing Manila.

 

The PSC, for its part, pledged their support for athletes who will compete in the 29th SEA Games this August in Malaysia and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

 

With the withdrawal, the 2019 SEA Games is left without any host country.

 

"Further, when all is clear and peace and order had improved after 2020 Olympics and in the future, we are positive and willing to host the SEA Games or any other international sporting events."