Ramos unhappy over PFF decision; Azkals join peace month celebration

MANILA, Philippines - Cristy Ramos, match commissioner of the controversial Azkals-Malaysia friendly last February at Rizal Memorial, expressed disgust over the Philippine Football Federation’s decision clearing the two players – Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy – she accused of “sexual harassment.”

“This decision says only one thing: they don’t care about the behavior and character of the players. I’m truly disappointed and disgusted with the decision,” Ramos said in an interview on News5.

The PFF’s disciplinary committee has ruled that it found no grounds for Ramos’ “sexual harassment” complaint against Guirado and Moy but meted out sanctions nonetheless for “breakdown in discipline”.

Guirado and Moy got one-game suspensions each, as did James Younghusband. Coach Michael Weiss and team manager Dan Palami were banished for two games each while assistant coach Edzel Bracamonte was suspended for one match for “failure in leadership.”

With the suspensions, most of which are on appeal, the Azkals would need more bodies for their upcoming international friendlies versus Cambodia (Sept. 5), Singapore (Sept. 7), and Laos (Sept. 10).

Good thing, Europe-based pros Neil Etheridge, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders and Rob Gier have made themselves available.

“They have confirmed their participation in the friendlies,” said Palami.

The latest additions to the team, US-based Demit Omphroy and Matthew Uy, may also be on hand.

“We’re still processing their (Phl) passports but the PFF (Philippine Football Federation) has already written the other FAs (Football Associations) if they’ll allow the two to play while still processing their passports,” he said.

Palami has filed an appeal with the appeals committee.

“Unless there’s an action from the appeals committee, they remain suspended. And so far there’s none,” said PFF president Nonong Araneta.

As to the coming ASEAN tour, Araneta said the suspended parties may still proceed to the venues. “They can go there but they can’t act as manager, coach, etc.”

Likewise, the PFF chief said he’ll also check with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) if such friendlies can be considered an international match in relation to suspensions.

“Just the same, they should also prepare who should take over (in place of the concerned people),” said Araneta.

Pending resolution of the appeals on suspensions, Palami said they have tapped assistant mentor Edwin Cabalida to assume the helm.

Meanwhile, the Azkals join the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in the inaugural rites launching National Peace Consciousness month today, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Philsports Complex (formerly ULTRA) in Pasig.

As part of the celebration, the Azkals will conduct a football clinic for the kids.

“We are dedicating all our games this September for peace,” said Palami, who added that observing peace month will help in the nationwide effort to “raise awareness of the situation of peace problem in the Philippines.”

“Goal for Peace is the kick off ceremony for Peace Month. September has been declared as the Peace Consciousness Month since 2004, so now on its ninth year we have several activities that are lined up aimed to mainstream the peace process and promote it to the general public,” said Polly Michelle Cunanan, OPAPP communications unit director and spokesperson.Olmin Leyba/Jose Rodel Clapano

For his part, Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo said that national football players, who are preparing for this year’s Asean Football Federation’s Suzuki Cup, take part in the peace month as new Ambassadors for Peace.

“Just like (playing football as a team), if you want to promote peace you need to work together, you put aside the differences,” Borromeo said. (With report from Rodel Clapano)