Palaro on as scheduled; 11 regions confirm stint

Tubod, Lanao del Norte - At least 11 of the 16 regions in the country have already confirmed their participation in the coming Palarong Pambansa , which this province will host on May 4 to 11, this year.

Following the evaluation yesterday of the overall preparation of this host province by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) technical committee headed by director Rolly Brilliantes, Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo said "Definitely the games will push through on May 4 to 11, this year."

The governor made the declaration after the PSC technical committee gave its nod and said that "the preparation " was impressive."

However, Gov.Dimaporo said that she has still to receive the confirmation of the remaining 5 regions including the National Capital Region (NCR) if they will participate. "I will seek an audience with Mayor Lito Atienza and ask for assistance in convincing the remaining regions to send their confirmation."

Gov. Dimaporo said that the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade commanding officer Col. Ernesto Boac, and Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Sr. Supt. Laut Sarip have given their assurance to provide security during the conduct of the games. This, after the military organized the "Task Force Olympus" which will provide overall security.

On the other hand, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsa Moro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) 501st Brigade commander Abdulrahman Macapaar, a.k.a. commander Bravo, earlier pledged support to the annual games by publicly assuring during a local radio broadcast that he will not disrupt the Palarong Pambansa.

Gov. Dimaporo revealed that the PSC funds of some P40 million for the Palarong Pambansa is now ready and the Lanao del Norte provincial government is also ready with its counterpart funding for the games.

For his part, Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo of the 2nd District said, " The participants should not worry on our ability to protect them." He said that an Italian national of a non-government organization working in this province for some time now, goes alone and without any bodyguard to the hinterland towns here in the course of his work while a Japanese consultant has no apprehension in commuting to the hinterland towns, this aside from the Australian couple who have stayed here as consultants in the modern Mindanao Civic Center (MCC), the Palaro venue. — Lino dela Cruz