Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella made the announcement yesterday even as he is set to talk to Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah "Bobby" Dimaporo on the staging of the multi-sports meet for high school and elementary students.
"Wed be glad to (host the Palaro) but I want to talk to Rep. Dimaporo first on Monday," Puentevella, who was recently elected president of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, told The STAR.
"If he (Dimaporo) tells me its okay, then well go for it," added the former Philippine sports commissioner.
Bacolod Citys bid came a day after Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn declared his provinces readiness to host the Palaro.
The bid by the Dimaporos Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda and Rep. Bobby to bring the games to Tubod after three failed bids, suffered another blow recently when fighting reached Brgy. Buluan, Tubod.
Unlike the sprawling Mindanao Sports Complex, which was the venue of the first Mindanao Friendship Games two years ago, Bacolods Panaad Sports Complex had hosted a number of Palaro games and some national events like the Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy. Joey Villar