PSC to PH athletes: No need to worry about Thailand-Cambodia clash amid SEA Games

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio said Filipino athletes competing in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand have nothing to worry about despite the ongoing clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in several border provinces that have left a few casualties.

The SEA Games officially opened on Tuesday at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Malayo ['yung conflict areas] at saka kita n'yo naman, sumali naman ang Cambodia, pumarada naman sila, pinalakpakan naman sila ng mga Thai. So, I don’t think we should be scared and I don’t think we should think about it,” Gregorio told GMA Integrated News, part of the Philippine Olympic Committee media pool, in a chance interview after the opening ceremony of the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Instead, Gregorio said athletes should focus on winning medals and enjoying the Games.

“Ang isipin natin kung paano makakakuha ng medalya, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Southeast Asian Games, paano mag-enjoy dito sa Bangkok. Sports tourism 'to eh. So, kung ano 'yung hidwaan ni Cambodia at Thailand, sana lang matapos na kaagad,” he said.

The PSC chairman added that Team Philippines is in high spirits following the athletes’ parade at the opening ceremony.

He also noted that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos have shown full support for the athletes.

According to Gregorio, the First Lady was particularly interested in the outfit worn by Filipino athletes during the parade, designed by Avel Bacudio.

“Itong mga ganitong pamimihis, gustong-gusto ni First Lady ito. Kaya congratulations rin kay Avel, 'yung nag-design nitong barong natin na 'Laro ng Lahi,' napakaganda,” Gregorio said.

Asked whether the president is considering giving more incentives for SEA Games medalists, Gregorio said, “The President wants to give surprises lalo na para sa kapakanan ng ating mga atleta.”

As mandated by Republic Act 10699, individual SEA Games gold medalists will get P300,000, while silver and bronze medalists will receive cash incentives of P150,000 and P60,000, respectively.

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—JKC, GMA Integrated News