Childrens’ Games in jeopardy

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is seriously considering postponing the Davao Children’s Games set to kick off tomorrow following the wave of violence in Marawi City.

“This is a summer sports program that is part of the Mindanao Sports for Peace and we would like to show that peace-making starts with the children,” said PSC chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez yesterday.

“In the midst of global terrorism, national terrorism like the Marawi case, the more that I am focused on sports for peace activity using sports as a vehicle. I know it can be dangerous but the program is part of the mandate and the instruction of the President (Rodrigo Duterte),” said Ramirez.

A team of PSC personnel tasked to undergo a similar activity has been evacuated in Marawi City and is on its way to Davao City, which is located 250 kilometers away.

Ramirez said whether the program will go on today will be based on the recommendation of Davao City mayor Sara Duterte although signs point to a postponement given the magnitude of what Islamic militants did to Marawi City.

If outdoor activities are scrapped, Ramirez said classroom events would still be pursued.