Juan Teofilo Abejo of the Philippines rejoices after scoring his second goal during their Laos SEA Games water polo duel Monday at the Vientiane Aquatic Center. The Filipinos won, 13-8, to snare the silver medal. (Photo by ALBERT GARCIA)

VIENTIANE — The Philippines captured the silver medal in water polo Monday and drew the support of all member countries in its bid to take part in cycling in the 25th Southeast Asian Games.

Two days before the start of the Games, 11 member countries joined hands to pressure the International Cycling Union (UCI) to grant temporary licenses to 12 Filipino riders set to see action starting Wednesday.

Go Teng Kok, the athletics chief who has been lobbying support for the cyclists, said a letter has been sent to the UCI asking the world governing body to allow the riders to compete.

The letter was signed by Datu Siatok Chek, secretary-general of the Malaysian Olympic Committee.

Among the arguments raised was the fact that the year marks the 50th anniversary of the Games and that the region represents 500 million people. Laos is also hosting the Games for the first time.

Go said they are hoping that the UCI will reconsider its position and allow the Filipinos to take part in the spirit of sportsmanship.

A day after being plastered by Singapore, 8-1, the water polo squad dug deep into its reserves to turn back the game Indonesians, 13-8.

The Indons battled the Filipinos on even terms and even led, 6-5, midway through the third quarter before the Frazier Alamara scored two goals in a 3-1 run that restored the RP lead, 8-7, going into the final eight minutes of the game.

With Dale Evangelista, the team’s center forward, out after committing three fouls near the end of the third quarter, the Filipinos clamped down on defense and scored the game’s last four points.

Norton Alamara led all scorers with three goals while Frazier Alamara, Juan Teofilo Abejo and Sherwin dela Paz added two goals apiece. Almax Laurel, Miguel Carandang, Elcid Evangelista, and Ronald Guiriba had one goal each.

It marked the third straight time the Filipinos finished runner-up behind Singapore which extended its unbeaten run since 1981 by trouncing Thailand, 8-5, for a three-game sweep and the gold medal.

On Tuesday, the Philippine flag will be raised at 2:15 p.m. in a simple ceremony to be presided by chief of mission Mario Tanchangco.

At 11 a.m., a mass will be held at the lobby of the building where the national athletes and officials are billeted.