(UPDATE) AMID ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Wednesday urged Philippine national teams and individual athletes to avoid nonessential travel.
According to the PSC, the situation raised “heightened safety and security concerns,” which was already experienced by several teams abroad.
“In view of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air routes and transportation corridors, the Philippine Sports Commission strongly discourages national teams, athletes and sports personnel from undertaking nonessential travel abroad at this time,” the PSC, through chairman Patrick Gregorio, said in an advisory.
“National Sports Associations, team officials and athletes are advised to reassess or postpone planned overseas travel on the basis of risk, safety and necessity. The PSC continues to monitor developments and will issue further updates as needed,” it added.
Among the teams currently out of the country is the women’s ice hockey team that is currently playing in a tournament in Estonia.
Other notable Philippine athletes playing abroad is tennis star Alexander “Alex” Eala, who is currently set to play in the Indian Wells masters on Saturday in the United States, following stints in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.