Duterte apologizes for SEA Games mishaps

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday apologized for the mishaps experienced by delegates during the days leading up to the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

“I’m really apologizing for the country. They (foreign delegates) have to know that the government is not happy with it and the President of the country where they are playing ordered an investigation,” Duterte said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Photos of the Cambodian football team sleeping on the floor circulated on social media, with the hotel management explaining that the team arrived early and that the hotel was still fully occupied upon their arrival.

Food issues were also reported including alleged insufficiency in halal food for athletes.

Photos of unfinished facilities, such as the press center at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, also went viral which drew the ire of netizens and several government officials.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Foundation Inc., Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano has apologized for the inconveniences experienced by the delegates.