Manila:<Text>
As the Middle East situation deteriorates, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has urged national teams to limit travel, particularly to countries affected by ongoing tensions.
According to Philippines News Agency, PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio issued an advisory on Wednesday urging national athletes to avoid traveling to the Middle East unless absolutely necessary due to escalating conflicts and potential impacts on international air travel. Gregorio highlighted cases of athletes being stranded due to flight cancellations, citing incidents involving American and Israeli military actions in Iran.
A notable incident involved the Philippine chess team at the Russian Chess Crown Standard A Tournament in Moscow. Led by bronze medalist Mark Bacojo, the team was stuck in Moscow after a canceled connecting flight from Abu Dhabi, as the United Arab Emirates closed its airspace. The PSC intervened to arrange their return to the Philippines.
< ;P>The National Chess Federation of the Philippines expressed gratitude to PSC Chairman Gregorio for his prompt response, as well as to other officials involved in coordinating travel adjustments. Gregorio advised national sports associations to reschedule overseas trips, emphasizing safety and the PSC's commitment to monitoring developments and providing updates. The safety of athletes remains the PSC's top priority.<P/></Text>