A 17-year-old yellow belter in taekwondo suffered injuries after her coach allegedly set her up to spar with a taller and heavier male black belt, according to a report by Oscar Oida on “24 Oras.”
The victim, who sustained bruises under the eye and a swollen face after the incident in February, expressed her ordeal, saying, “Grabe po yung epekto ng ginawa nila sa akin. Halos minsan po ‘di na ako makabangon, makapasok sa paaralan kasi po grabe po ‘yung pagbugbog sa akin. Gustung-gusto ko po magsalita kasi sobrang drain na drain na po ako di ko na po kaya.”
Narrating her traumatic experience, she added, “Muntikan na po ako mamatay dahil sa bugbog. Binugbog ako na wala akong laban. ‘Di ko kaya lumaban wala ako magawa sa sarili ko kasi pinartner ako sa lalaki na mas mabigat sa akin 70 kilos, black belter pa. Kakasimula ko lang po.”
The victim’s family suspects that the coach deliberately arranged the disadvantageous sparring session out of jealousy. The victim’s mother stated, “Sinadya po dahil may gusto siya sa anak ko.”
Additionally, she mentioned an incident involving her daughter’s boyfriend, which further fueled suspicions: “Noong Feb. 26 po birthday… Nagpadala po ako ng pagkain doon para sa team. Sumabay po yung boyfriend ng anak ko. Sinabi po sa akin ng kapatid ko na nagalit si coach nung nakita yung bouquet po na dala ng boyfriend ng anak ko.”
The victim has suffered both mental and physical damage, prompting medical attention. She is undergoing an MRI examination.
Police have filed charges against the coach for violating Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Meanwhile, the JILCF management stated that they are investigating the incident and have suspended the taekwondo team’s training sessions alongside the coaches.
The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) released a statement, stating, “We are taking matters seriously. We are working within our jurisdiction in determining the facts of the events to ensure accountability within our community.”
