By Kristel Satumbaga
Philippine chess mourns the passing of international arbiter Gene Poliarco on Sunday due to cardiac arrest while on his way to the hospital in Alaminos, Pangasinan.
He was 77.
International chess arbiter Gene Poliarco
Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales relayed the news to the PH online chess community after receiving it from Poliarco’s son, Louie.
“Your memories will be with us always as legend!” Gonzales said. “In one way or another, (he) helped established and directed the shape and form of Philippine chess.”
Poliarco had been a chess arbiter for more than 40 years and was active in tournaments organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
He last conducted an arbitration seminar at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence last year.