CCTV footage has captured an alleged physical altercation involving Leyte Representative Richard Gomez and Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) President Rene Peter Paul Lladoc Gacuma during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
The incident allegedly occurred on Tuesday, the opening day of the fencing competition at the Passion Island Hall, following a reported commotion over team lineup decisions.
In the video, a man is seen striking another man who was wearing an official Philippine SEA Games shirt.
Gacuma later filed an incident report and detailed the events in a letter addressed to Philippine SEA Games Chef de Mission Dr. Raul Canlas.
According to Gacuma, Gomez was angered by the committee’s decision to replace fencer Alexa Larrazabal with Hanniel Abella in the Individual Women’s Epee event.
Gacuma claimed that Gomez verbally insulted and cursed at him during the confrontation. He alleged that Gomez threatened him by saying, “Pa-Congress ko lahat ng Directors ng PFA para tignan natin kung may budget pa kayo makukuha.”
In his account, Gacuma said Gomez stepped on his foot, and as he turned away to leave, Gomez allegedly punched him with his right hand. The CCTV footage reportedly shows PFA Director Carlos Angelo Dayrit and PFA Administrative Officer Sally Arambulo attempting to calm the situation, while other individuals looked on from a gallery area.
Gacuma said the incident caused his blood pressure to rise, prompting him to seek medical attention at a medical station. He further alleged that Gomez continued to shout at and threaten him after the incident, including a threat to kick him.
Following the incident, Gacuma announced that he would consult his legal counsel and file a formal complaint. He also requested a copy of the CCTV footage documenting the altercation.
For his part, Gomez said he respects Gacuma’s right to file a complaint but emphasized what he described as “emotional bullying” allegedly experienced by Larrazabal at the hands of PFA officials. Gomez argued that it was unfair to prevent Larrazabal from competing, noting that she is an athlete who has received government funding and dedicated significant time to her development.
Gomez added that those who made the decision lacked sufficient experience as national athletes, which he claimed led to an erroneous judgment.
Larrazabal, the Philippines’ top-ranked women’s épée fencer, was replaced by Hanniel Abella following a decision by the team management on Monday. According to the PFA, the move was based on the recommendation of the coaching staff led by Rolando “Amat” Canlas Jr.
The association cited Larrazabal’s alleged frequent unexcused absences from training, failure to comply with travel requirements, and lack of communication with coaches and teammates as reasons for the substitution.
