Azkals ask manager to donate part of their bonus to Pablo victims

MANILA, Philippines – In true bayanihan spirit, the men’s Philippine football team offered to donate part of their expected bonus from making the semi-finals of the Suzuki Cup, to the victims of typhoon Pablo that has killed nearly 500 people as of 5pm Friday, December 7.

Team manager Dan Palami told media on the sidelines of the Philippine-Singapore pre-match press conference on Friday, that Azkals players had asked him to contribute part of their earning to relief efforts.

“The Azkals players have approached me, including the coach, and they said whatever bonus they’re supposed to be getting in this particular game, reaching the semis, they would like to donate part of it to our brothers and sisters to Southern Mindanao for relief efforts,” Palami said.

Palami also expressed his thanks to the Asian Football Federation, other organizers of the tournament, and the team officials of Singapore for approving a request the Philippines made to allow a moment of silence for the typhoon victims.

“We actually asked them to include in the program one minute of silence for the victims of typhoon Pablo so I’m glad they agreed to the request of the Philippines,” said Palami.

“At least all the people who will be watching not just in the Philippines, not just in the stadium, but also those watching from television all over Southeast Asia will be aware of this particular tragedy and at least maybe be able to help,” he added.

The Philippines is set to face off with Singapore for the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals on Saturday, December 8. It is the first time a semi-final Suzuki Cup match will be held in the Philippines. The second leg will be held in Singapore on December 12.

The game comes just 3 days after typhoon Pablo ravaged Mindanao, specifically Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, leaving death and destruction in its wake. – Rappler.com