Soldiers dominate RP SEAG team

BACOLOD CITY — For God, country and family, they fight — this time in non-violent competitions for honor in the sporting world.

Almost half of Filipino athletes competing in the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

A total of 332 soldiers from the various military branches will compete in the SEA Games. This number excludes the national athletes who are also personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Pilots from the Philippine Air Force — 144 of them — make up the largest military contingent that will vie for medals in the ASEAN Para Games, volleyball, athletics and softball.

Some 97 of the Philippine Navy sailors will take to the sea to compete in the traditional boat race, as well as compete in the volleyball and athletics competitions.

Ninety-one soldiers of the Philippine Army will launch medal bids in boxing, athletics, cycling and volleyball competitions.

The AFP personnel will compete in a total of 27 events of the SEA Games from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5. — Leo Solinap