NDRRMC: 21 reported SEA Games-related injuries, medical cases

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 21 injuries and medical cases related to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games have been reported as of December 2, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.

But NDRRMC was quick to note that these injuries and medical cases were not in any way related to the onslaught of Typhoon Tisoy in vast areas of Luzon, where many sports competitions are being held.

According to NDRRMC, all cases were monitored in Region I, citing the Office of Civil Defense Regional Office I.

“Hindi po (No), as far as I know. Secured naman from the storm ang ating players (The players are secured from the storm),” said NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal when asked if the cases reported by his agency were related to Typhoon Tisoy.

The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, said that a total of 125 consultations have been conducted from November 25 to December 1, 2019.

Of this number, 43 were SEA Games delegates and 79 were non-SEA Games individuals.

Consultations include upper respiratory tract infection (23 cases), minor injuries due to trauma (24 cases), hypertension (17 cases), and soft tissue injuries (10 cases).

NDRRMC also said that a Blue Alert Status is being maintained in all their stations at SEA Games venues to monitor incidents related to the conduct of the sports meet.

NDRRMC further said that a total of 1,851 personnel and 132 assets from national and regional government agencies, local government units, and private sector were deployed for the 30th SEA Games.

“Dahil may medical team po diyan (Because we have a medical team there), we follow standard medical procedures. If need po dalhin sa hospital, may naka-standby po na ambulances sa venues (If there’s a need to bring a patient to the hospital, there are ambulances on standby at the venues,” Timbal said.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) is designated under the Functional Area for Games Safety and Security (GSS). OCD is the lead agency of the Joint Task Group Emergency Preparedness and Response under the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc).

OCD serves as the implementing arm of NDRRMC.

The regional biennial multi-sport event involves delegates from 11 countries in Southeast Asia. This year’s SEA Games is being hosted by the Philippines.

The 30th SEA Games officially opened on November 30 and will run until December 11.

Selected sports, however, started as early as November 25.

Edited by KGA