AFP athletes get green light to train for national team

Top athletes in the military have been given clearance by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to train with the national team.

Philippine Sports Commission executive director Guillermo Iroy assured Monday that the 119 soldier-athletes would immediately go back to training after the AFP granted the request of the sports agency for their release.

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“They don’t have to worry. It’s almost a done deal,” said Iroy.

The Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines had earlier asked the PSC to help in securing the release of the soldier-boxers so they can train with the national pool immediately.

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The pugs, headed by London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga, are preparing for the Elite Men’s Championship in Bangkok on Aug. 25. The event is a qualifier for the World Championships in Doha in October where the medalists will earn Olympic slots.

Iroy said the request was forwarded to the office of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri for final approval.

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He added the PSC requested for a three-year extension of the MOA over the detailed service of the soldier-athletes to the national team instead of a six-month agreement. CFC