Marawi conflict makes Ramirez rethink Davao SEAG hosting

DAVAO CITY—Philippine Sports Commission chief Butch Ramirez has expressed reservations about having this city serve as one of the satellite hosts of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA GAmes) that the country will host.

“Security is a major consideration. We don’t want to put our visitors at risk,” said Ramirez, Friday. “If Davao cannot host the Games, I’m sure Manila will always be ready.”

But Ramirez added he will leave that decision to the SEA Games Federation Council.

If not for the armed conflict that hit Marawi City, Ramirez said Davao could stage three to five events in 2019.