DILG urges Pinoys to set aside politics, unite for SEAG success

Malaya added the success of the regional biennial sporting event is “not only the success of the organizing committee, but the success of every Filipino”. (File Photo: PTV)

MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday appealed to all Filipinos to set aside politics and partisanship and unite for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

“No politics, no partisanship except in competition but always in a friendly and respectful manner in the Olympic spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. We ensure (that) we put our best face forward into the best that we can siguro sa panahon na ito (at these times) that we are doing the SEA Games we should also put the interest of the country forward, put our best in what we can do best and put aside other considerations because at the end of the day the success of the games is the success of the entire country,” DILG Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame.

Malaya added the success of the regional biennial sporting event is “not only the success of the organizing committee, but the success of every Filipino”.

“The motto of games is “We win as One” and I think sana isaalang-alang yun (we should consider that). The success of the games reflects on the country,” he added.

In terms of security, Malaya said the government is ready to ensure that all the athletes and their countrymen who would cheer for them are safe.

“In the case of security preparations, the success of the security preparations will depend on the cooperation not only of the PNP but also of the athletes and also of the LGUs especially those who are hosting the games,” Malaya said.

He said that even before the games, the DILG already sent the communications in every LGUs where venues of games are located to focus on peace and order, the road obstruction to help in alleviating traffic because of that shared responsibility.

He also called on barangay officials to continue doing their share to ensure zero negative incidents to both local and foreign delegates and their supporters for the SEA Games.

“We also reminded the barangay officials because we all know that these athletes will not only be there sa (in) venues, they will also go out, ganun naman tayo (we are like that) when we attend international events we also go out and see the sites, there is also a responsibility on the part of the local officials in that area,” Malaya said.

Calls for suspension of classes in Metro Manila

Malaya also said it would be better if classes in Metro Manila will be suspended during the conduct of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in order to ease traffic congestion.

“We support the calls for class suspension. That would be a big help in alleviating the traffic problem in Metro Manila because there are a lot of venues here where sports events will be held. This will help in the movement of athletes from one place to another,” Malaya added.

At least 19 events are scheduled to be held in Metro Manila. More than 17,000 policemen were deployed to secure the athletes from their hotels to sports venues.

Malaya said that foreign athletes feel safe and satisfied with the security arrangements.

For instance, he said that vehicles that transport athletes are escorted by the police.

“We did not receive any complaints from the foreign delegates about lack of security on their part. They feel secure,” Malaya said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said authorities are still evaluating if a special lane would be designated for the SEA Games delegates.

Banac said a monitoring center at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame would monitor the traffic and security situation of the various sports venues of the SEA Games.

Malaya said the security cluster is aiming for zero untoward incidents during the regional sports event.

Over 10,000 athletes from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, Singapore, and Vietnam will participate in 543 sports events.

The 30th SEA Games will be held from November 30 to December 11.