The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) prioritized the safety of the members of the national team after it suspended the operations of government sports facilities.

PSC acting executive director Guillermo Iroy said only their emergency response team (ERT) was on call on Tuesday morning after their facilities and offices at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila and Philsports compound in Pasig were severely affected by the Southwest monsoon, which is also known as habagat.

Iroy said newly-appointed PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio was quick to act, ordering them to secure all pieces of equipment, especially the flooring of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Philsports Arena, to make sure that nothing will be damaged.

Aside from training and office operations, other activities at the Rizal Memorial were also suspended, including the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

“The entire area around the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is flooded. ERT personnel are there to secure the equipment, especially the flooring,” Iroy told DAILY TRIBUNE in an online conversation.

“The Chairman has orders to guard the equipment and prioritize the safety of the people. We announced the suspension yesterday.”

“The training of the athletes has been postponed because we prioritize safety. Sports like wushu and judo continued because their venues are high enough not to get flooded.”

Iroy assured athletes and employees that they are monitoring their situation to assist them better and operations in the RMSC once everything goes back to normal.

“We’re monitoring all the athletes and coaches if they need any assistance,” Iroy said.

“Once the rain stops, the flood usually goes down fast in the area.”