MANILA, Philippines—Sports have united shattered countries and broken races and with the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea, sports may very well unite some nations.
Amidst the volatile situation in the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and Vietnam are ready to look each other in the eye and play some ball.
According to a Navy official privy to the situation, the Philippines, who occupy Parola Island, and Vietnam, who occupy Pugad Island, are set to play some “ball games” on June 8 to forge a camaraderie between their military forces.
SCREENGRAB from Philippine Defense Forces Forum site
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been interacting with other nations from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” the official who requested anonimity said Wednesday. “To foster camaraderie and good working relationship with the other countries, with the other military forces.”
The official said that basketball, volleyball, or tug of war would be played on Pugad Island, which is about five nautical miles from Parola Island, together with a cultural presentation from both countries.
He added that the ball games would give the ground forces the opportunity to interact with each other, whereas the officials regularly interact with each other in the headquarters.
“This time it would be the ground troops who would interact with each other,” the official said.
He said that the ball games would be a first of its kind in the disputed areas and a memorandum of agreement has been signed for the games.
“We are hoping that this will be the model, as a model for others to emulate,” he said. “Hopefully we get to have another chance like this with the other Asean countries.”
Besides the interaction of the troops, the ball games could ease the tension between countries.
“This is to ease the tension in the region, that’s the objective because we can do this through peaceful means, we are anchored on a peaceful resolution.”
Map showing the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea (south China Sea), including the Spratlys Islands and Scarborough Shoal. AFP
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