A heated confrontation at a Southeast Asian Games fencing venue in Thailand has triggered opposing accusations between Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez and Philippine Fencing Association president Rene Gacuma, with both sides now considering legal action.
Gomez acknowledged that an altercation took place during the fencing competitions at Fashion Island on Dec. 16, confirming the encounter days later while maintaining he stands by his actions and has no intention of apologizing. He said he is prepared to respond to any formal complaints that may be filed against him.
In a letter addressed to Philippine delegation chef de mission Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, Gacuma alleged that Gomez physically and verbally attacked him at the official competition venue. The PFA chief recounted that the incident unfolded after he approached Gomez to offer congratulations.
“When I extended my right hand to congratulate Mr. Gomez, he planted his right foot on my left foot, squeezed my right thumb very hard and said, ‘Who gave you the authority to replace that athlete!? Na-take up ninyo ito sa Board Meeting in my presence?! Ptng n mo, Rene gg ka!’” Gacuma wrote.
Gacuma further claimed that the encounter escalated as he attempted to leave the scene. “I managed to release my left foot he was stepping on and as I turned my back on him to leave, he reached out to strike the back of my head (nape area with what I felt was a hard closed-fist right hook,” he said. He added that the incident left him shaken and required assistance from a PFA volunteer to move him away from the area and toward the medical station.
“At that moment I felt agitated and felt my blood pressure shoot up. I was requested…Ms. Chie, a PFA staff volunteer to accompany me to the opposite side of the venue to free myself from other physical attacks… and sat…where the medical station was,” Gacuma wrote.
According to Gacuma, the confrontation did not end there, alleging that Gomez later struck his jawline while he was already seated at the medical station, describing the act as having “capped” his jaw “forcefully.”
The dispute traces back to a roster change involving the women’s individual epee event. Gacuma said the PFA board decided on Dec. 14 to replace national athlete Alexa Larrazabal with Hannie Abella, citing missed training sessions, failure to submit travel requirements, and lack of communication. He added that the move was unanimously approved during the SEA Games team managers meeting on Dec. 15.
Gomez, who serves as a PFA director and second vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, offered a different account when interviewed on One PH’s “One Balita Pilipinas.” He said his anger was sparked after Larrazabal was barred from competing and replaced by a fourth-ranked athlete.
He accused Gacuma and others of subjecting Larrazabal to bullying and said he intends to lodge a separate complaint over what he described as misconduct surrounding the athlete’s treatment.
Gacuma said he plans to consult legal counsel and may pursue charges against Gomez, characterizing the lawmaker’s behavior as “uncalled for and unruly.” He also said the PFA is set to discuss possible formal sanctions for misconduct.
For his part, Gomez said he will not issue an apology and is ready to face any physical assault charges should Gacuma decide to formally file a case.
