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Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato“ Gregorio at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, July 1, 2025. Photo from Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook.

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772603526160IMG_0217.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato“ Gregorio at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, July 1, 2025. Photo from Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook."/>Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato“ Gregorio at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, July 1, 2025. Photo from Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook.MANILA — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has advised national teams, athletes and sports personnel to defer non-essential overseas travel as tensions escalate in the Middle East, citing safety and security concerns.</div>PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio issued the advisory on March 4, warning that the conflict could affect international air routes and transportation corridors“In view of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air routes and transportation corridors, the PSC strongly discourages national teams, athletes and sports personnel from undertaking non-essential travel abroad at this time,” Gregorio said.The PSC said the evolving situation has raised heightened safety concerns, including possible regional escalation, increased military activity and rapidly changing security conditions. Several Philippine teams overseas have already experienced travel disruptions and are being assisted in arranging their return home.Among those currently in the region is Filipino tennis player Francis Casey Alcantara, who was competing in the ATP Challenger 50 tournament in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The tournament was cancelled following an oil zone fire in Fujairah. Alcantara is among the athletes being closely monitored.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/3/tennis-ni-o-alc-ntara-hopes-to-go-home-after-getting-caught-up-in-chaos-in-fujairah-2150">READ: Niño Alcántara hopes to go home after getting caught up in chaos in Fujairah</a></div>Gregorio confirmed that the PSC has formally reached out to the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the United Arab Emirates to seek assistance and guidance regarding the situation of the Filipino player.In a letter addressed to Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, the PSC expressed concern over Alcantara’s safety.“We respectfully inform the esteemed Embassy that Filipino tennis players are currently in the United Arab Emirates for the ATP Challenger 50 Fujairah Tournament. In light of the prevailing situation in the Middle East and its potential implications for the safety and well-being of our athletes, we are writing to express our concern and to seek the Embassy’s guidance and assistance,” the letter read.The PSC said it is in direct communication with Alcantara to monitor his condition and receive updates. The commission also requested the Embassy’s support in closely monitoring developments and ensuring the players’ safety and security.“Should circumstances warrant, we likewise seek assistance in facilitating their safe and orderly return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” Gregorio wrote.The PSC said it stands ready to coordinate with the Embassy, the athletes concerned and other relevant authorities to ensure appropriate measures are taken for their protection and welfare.“The safety and welfare of our athletes remain our highest priority,” Gregorio emphasized.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has advised national teams, athletes and sports personnel to defer non-essential overseas travel as tensions escalate in the Middle East, citing safety and security concerns.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has advised national teams, athletes and sports personnel to defer non-essential overseas travel as tensions escalate in the Middle East, citing safety and security concerns.

PSC advises against non-essential travel amid Middle East tensions; Alcantara monitored

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PSC advises against non-essential travel amid Middle East tensions; Alcantara monitored

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 04, 2026 02:08 PM PHT

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Updated Mar 04, 2026 03:15 PM PHT

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