MANILA, Philippines -- The Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City will be the venue of the basketball games in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio confirmed.

This, a week after it was reported that the games will be held at the considerably smaller FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The report drew a negative reaction from basketball fans, leading SBP, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) to come together to try and find a solution.

Panlilio met with POC president Ricky Vargas and PHISCOG chief operating officer Tats Suzara in Hong Kong last weekend to discuss and finalize plans to bring SEA Games basketball back to the MOA Arena.

"We heard the voices of our people," Panlilio said in a statement. "We were also made aware that some sectors have started to put the blame on certain agencies, without really understanding the complexities of the situation.

"The best way to solve an issue is to discuss peacefully, and look for ways to find an acceptable solution," he added.

• One for the books – Valdez on third SEA Games stint

Panlilio said they were able to find "a win-win solution" to the problem, after Suzara himself initiated the discussion and asked for their support regarding the venue.

Panlilio also confirmed that the Philippines intends to send the "best PBA talent" to the SEA Games, after several years of sending cadets and collegiate players.

"We want to win the gold medal in basketball, and the SBP is fully committed to make this a reality," he said.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.