MANILA: The Philippines has decided not to host the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, as the government says it needs to channel funds into rehabilitating conflict-torn Marawi.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Butch Ramirez said senior government authorities had approved the decision to turn down the hosting in light of the conflict currently gripping the city on Mindanao island, The Inquirer reported.
Technically, the Philippine Olympic Committee has the authority to withdraw the hosting, but government support is an integral part of the endeavour, specifically in the financial and logistical aspects, the newspaper said.
“Due to the current situation in Mindanao and the problem of terrorism and atrocities, we regret to inform you that we will no longer push through with the hosting of the biennial event,” Mr Ramirez said at a news conference on Friday.
“It has been resolved that government resources to be focused in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Mindanao specially Marawi."
The country reportedly spent 500 million pesos to stage the 2005 SEA Games in Manila and other key cities including Bacolod and Cebu. Most of the expenses were shouldered by the government through the PSC.
The Philippines took over the 2019 hosting of the Games after original host Brunei begged off.
The 2017 edition of the biennial event will be held in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 19-30.