PHILIPPINE Fencing Association Rene Gacuma has accused Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez of “physical attack” during the fencing competitions of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Gacuma reported the incident that happened last Tuesday in a letter to Philippines chef de mission Raul Canlas, saying that it was seen by the audience at the Fashion Mall where SEA Games fencing is being held.
News5 was first to report the story.
Gomez is in the SEA Games to compete in the shooting competitions where he won a silver, and to support daughter Juliana, who is also at the biennial meet for the fencing tournament.
Gacuma said the altercation stemmed from fencer Alexa Larrazabal being replaced in the individual women’s epee event, with the reasons being stated in the letter.
Gacuma said he was congratulating Gomez for the silver medal when the incident happened.
“When I extended my right hand to congratulate Mr. Gomez, he planted his right foot heavily on my left foot to limit my mobility. He squeezed by right thumb very hard like he wanted to dislocate it and simultaneously said ‘who gave you the authority to replace that athlete?’ Na-take up ninyo ito sa Board Meeting in my (Mr. Gomez’s presence)? (Expletive) mo Rene. (Expletive) ka,” said Gacuma in the letter.
READ: 'Goma' shares side on altercation with PH fencing president
Gomez is a PFA director and second vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee. He has since shared his side on the altercation.
Gacuma health scare
Gacuma, who also informed Canlas that he is a quadruple bypass survivor who has been implanted with a heart pacemaker, said the incident resulted into his blood pressure shooting up, and as he was being checked by doctors, Gomez approached him again.
“While seated at the medical station and in the presence of Thai medical volunteers, he literally capped my jawline forcefully with his right hand and said ‘di mo alam ang ginagawa mo! HR ka lang… HR ka lang, wala ka alam sa pagiging atleta. Sipain kita diyan. Alam ko saan ka nakatira,” he said.
“I intend to consult with a legal counsel and decide to file appropriate charges to subject who physically attacked me, verbally insulted me, among others.”
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