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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Richard Gomez airs side on confrontation with fencing chief

Richard Gomez airs side on confrontation with fencing chief

Published Dec 18, 2025 03:40 pm

At A Glance

  • In a phone interview with News5, Gomez revealed that Gacuma approached him during the competition that led him to personally question why Larrazabal had been scratched from the women's individual epee lineup the previous day.
Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) Director and Leyte Fourth District Rep. Richard Gomez confirmed on Thursday, Dec. 18, that he had a heated discussion with fencing president Rene Gacuma over what he perceived as a questionable decision to replace top fencer Alexa Larrazabal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
In a phone interview with News5, Gomez revealed that Gacuma approached him during the competition that led him to personally question why Larrazabal had been scratched from the women’s individual epee lineup the previous day.
“Siya lumapit sakin. Nakatayo lang ako eh. Nakipagkamay sakin. Sabi ko, ‘Bat ganon desisyon na ginawa nyo?’ That’s how it happened,” Gomez.
When asked if he was the person caught on CCTV slapping Gacuma on the nape, Gomez said he has not yet seen the footage.
“Hindi ko pa nakita yung video eh, pero nagkaroon kami ng confrontation habang nag-uusap kami,” Gomez said.
“Because I was so mad! When the country is fighting for a medal, bakit ipapasok mo yung mahinang player?” he added.
Gomez also alleged that Larrazabal was being bullied in the association, prompting him to file charges on behalf of the athlete.
“Months before that, binu-bully nila itong si Alexa (Larrazabal). You do not bully an athlete. Huwag nyong babastusin yung mga athlete,” Gomez.
“Okay lang sakin yan. It’s his right to file a complaint. Because ako, I am also filing a complaint for emotionally hurting my athlete. Atleta namin yan eh. We spent money para pagalingin yung atleta tapos babastusin niya nang ganun, hindi nila palalaruin.
“Wala kasi silang ganun experience kaya hindi sila marunong mag-desisyon,” the Philippine Olympic Committee Second Vice President said.
Gacuma earlier filed a complaint to Raul Canlas, the Philippine delegation’s chef de mission to the SEAG, for alleged physical and verbal abuse against Gomez regarding the incident.
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