PSC urges athletes to avoid overseas travel amid rising Middle East tensions

Growing tensions in the Middle East have begun to ripple into the world of sports, prompting the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to take precautionary steps to safeguard Filipino athletes competing or traveling overseas.

On Wednesday, the PSC issued a memorandum advising national teams, athletes, and sports personnel to postpone non-essential international trips as uncertainty surrounding the regional conflict continues to affect global travel routes.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said the advisory was prompted by concerns that the escalating situation could disrupt major transportation corridors and create safety risks for athletes traveling abroad.

“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,” said the agency’s chair Patrick Gregorio.

According to Gregorio, the warning is not merely precautionary. Several Filipino national teams already overseas have experienced travel complications and are now receiving assistance from the commission as arrangements are being made for their return to the Philippines.

“The evolving situation raises heightened safety and security concerns, including possible regional escalation, increased military activity, and rapidly changing security conditions, as already experienced by several teams abroad that are currently being assisted in arranging their return home,” said Gregorio.

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𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀

In view of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air routes and transportation corridors, the Philippine Sports Commission pic.twitter.com/NXvULm9bgT

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) March 4, 2026

One of the athletes currently in the region is Filipino tennis player Francis Casey Alcantara, who had been competing in the ATP Challenger 50 tournament in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The event was cancelled after an oil zone fire broke out in Fujairah, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

The PSC confirmed that Alcantara is among the athletes being closely monitored while coordination efforts are underway with Philippine diplomatic officials.

Gregorio said the commission has formally reached out to the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the United Arab Emirates to seek guidance and assistance regarding Alcantara’s situation.

In a letter addressed to Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, the PSC conveyed its concern for the safety of the Filipino tennis player and requested the embassy’s support in monitoring developments in the area.

The commission added that it remains in constant communication with Alcantara to track updates on his condition and surroundings.

“Should circumstances warrant, we likewise seek assistance in facilitating their safe and orderly return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” Gregorio said in a letter that was sent.

With the situation still evolving, the PSC emphasized that it stands ready to work closely with Philippine embassies, athletes abroad, and other relevant authorities to ensure that Filipino sports personnel remain protected while competing on the international stage.

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