Twelve (12) Papua New Guinean athletes have left for Manila on Monday afternoon, to compete at the Philippine Open Championships that will be held at Clark City Athletic Stadium today.

For several team members including Commonwealth Games hopefuls Daniel Baul, Robert Oa, William Peka and Denlyne Kinbangi, it's their second visit after a successful outing at the same event last year as it is for Ray Kumala Heru.

The team also included javelin throwers Lucas Osida and Damien Kote. Leroy Kamau will be out to prove his readiness for the Commonwealth Games whilst the in- form Jiuteis Robinson will get another shot at the 1500m national record.

For female middle- and long-distance runners Heru, Joyline Eric and Mary-Kate Pais, it’s a step along the way in their development towards next year's Pacific Games.

With the Olympic Youth Games being held later this year in Dakar in Senegal, PNG has been granted a quote of one male athlete in the 100m. Port Moresby based Kabake Lansana is being prepared for this event following his dominant performances in the U20 division at last year's NCD Championships and this Championships will give him his first taste of international competition.

Mike Smith is the team manager, and he will share coaching responsibilities with Rellie Kaputin.