Tolentino confident Gilas can defend SEAG crown without naturalized players
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expresses confidence that Gilas Pilipinas can retain its Southeast Asian Games title despite the absence of naturalized players, starting their campaign against Malaysia and Vietnam.

![Manuel Lasangue-2 - Manuel Lasangue of the Philippines is challenged by Vietnam's defense during their handball match against Vietnam on December 08, 2025 at the Indoor Athletics Stadium in Pattaya, Chonburi province, Thailand. [POC Media Pool photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Handball-Manuel-Lasangue-2-400x200.jpg)
![Team Philippines struggles to break Thailand’s defense in the SEAG polo semifinals. [POC Media Pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_2328-400x200.jpeg)
![Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino [POC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cong-b-400x200.jpg)





