SEA Games officials OK security in Philippines

SEA Games officials OK security in Philippines

Agencies, Manila

Top officials of the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games brushed
aside security concerns for the region's largest biennial meet,
to be hosted by Manila and five other Philippine cities later
this year.

"We are not worried about our security. We have noted that
security was the top priority of host Philippines," Low Beng Choo
of Malaysia, one of delegation heads from participating countries
who made a three-day inspection of the various sites, was quoted
as saying by The Associated Press

"We have full confidence in the Philippines," she said, adding
that the country will be the big winner, no matter what the
medals table says.

"Your hosting of this biggest regional sports event will unite
the Filipino people. It's good for the people."

The Philippines has been hit by periodic terror attacks in
recent years and is fighting long-running communist and Muslim
separatist insurgencies.

An estimated 5,000 athletes will participate on Nov. 27-Dec.
5, representing 11 ASEAN countries - Brunei, Cambodia, East
Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand,
Vietnam and Philippines.

It is the third time that the Philippines has hosted the
games, and the first since 1991. There has been opposiition to
the cost of the games, as well as concerns about the suitability
of some of the facilities -- including the 50-year-old Rizal
Memorial Park designated for athletics and swimming.