BANGKOK — Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio allayed concerns over the ongoing border row between Thailand and Cambodia, assuring that the Philippine delegation to the 30th Southeast Asian Games is safe and won’t be affected.
A new wave of fighting has erupted between the neighboring countries with Thailand launching airstrikes on the disputed borders as they accused each other of violating the peace agreement presided over by US president Donald Trump.
The attacks came just a day before the formal opening ceremony of the Games in the Thai Capital and the fighting has expanded to over six provinces in northeastern Thailand, according to news reports.
“Wala naman. Nakita nyio naman, pumarada pa rin ang Cambodia. So, I don't think we should be scared and I don't think we should think about it,” said Gregorio after the opening ceremony.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino had earlier revealed that the ongoing conflict was not discussed during the SEA Games council a day before the opening.
“Hindi na pinag-usapan. Hindi na topic iyon,” said Tolentino, although some members of the Cambodian team had earlier pulled out of the Games due to safety concerns.
Gregorio, however, is hopeful that the SEA Games would become an instrument for the two countries to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“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?,” said Gregorio.
“Lalo na tayo ang host ng ASEAN Summit in 2026. So sana dahil dito sa Southeast Asian Games, magkabati na sila sa kanilang hindi pagkakaunawaan,” he added.