Athletes need enough time to decide on Palaro stint

With government officials unable to make a quick decision on whether to postpone or cancel the Palarong Pambansa scheduled May 4-11, athletes and events officials are now in a quandary on whether they should go to Tubod, Lanao del Norte or not.

Congressman Bobby Dimaporo and his wife Gov. Imelda Dimaporo had proposed May 11-18 as the new date for the Palaro but PSC officials expressed fears this might not give athletes the chance to prepare or even make a decision on whether to compete in the multi-event or not.

"I think the proposed date will not be possible because a lot of athletes will need more time to decide if they should go to Tubod or not," said Rolly Brillantes, Philippine Sports Commission consultant on the Palaro.

He proposed the date be set in late May or early June, although this would also create other problems since teachers, and even the athletes, may no longer be available because of the school opening.

The Dimaporos, the PSC, the Department of Education and the military will hold an emergency meeting anytime this week to come up with one recommendation to President Arroyo.

In a related development, the Department of Education yesterday announced to the various regional directors that the Palaro had been postponed indefinitely and advised them to wait for further announcement.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attacked last week the towns of Maigo and Kolambugan near Tubod, killing 16 civilians and wounding at least 20 others, placing in jeopardy the staging of the Palaro.