Pole vault star Ernest John "EJ" Obiena (File photo) MANILA - The Philippine Athletics Track And Field Association (PATAFA) has formally confirmed its participation in a mediation process called by Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez to resolve the national sports association's row with pole vault star Ernest John "EJ" Obiena. In a letter sent to Ramirez by PATAFA board of trustees member Datu Yusoph Mama on Tuesday, PATAFA president Popoy Juico, legal counsel Aldrin Cabiles, and Alfonso Sta. Clara will represent the national sports association in the mediation. In his letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, Mama also reiterated PATAFA's earlier decision to defer the sanctions it is supposed to slap on Obiena, including being taken out from the national team and charged with an estafa complaint, until Jan. 19. Obiena has yet to confirm his participation in the mediation, although he said in a letter sent