Richard Gomez accused of physically attacking PH fencing president during SEA Games

CHONBURI, Thailand – Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez faces possible legal complaints after he allegedly physically attacked and insulted the president of the Philippine Fencing Association during the Southeast Asian Games here.

In a letter to Philippine delegation chef de mission Raul Canlas, PFA president Rene Gacuma said he was involved in an incident on Tuesday, December 16, at the Fashion Island Shopping Mall in Bangkok, in which he was confronted by Gomez over the replacement of fencer Alexa Larrazabal. 

The 59-year-old Gomez, who is a director of the PFA and the second vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, is also in the SEA Games as a sporting clays athlete, even winning a silver medal in the team event. 

“When I extended my right hand to congratulate Mr. Gomez, he planted his right foot heavily on my left foot, to limit my mobility. He squeezed my right thumb very hard like he wanted to dislocate it and simultaneously said, ‘Who gave you the authority to replace that athlete!?’ ‘Na-take up ninyo ito sa (Did you take this up in the) board meeting in my (Mr. Gomez’s) presence?!’ ‘Putang ina mo Rene, gago ka (You son of a bitch Rene, you’re an idiot)!'” wrote Gacuma. 

Gacuma said that when he turned his back to leave, Gomez “reached out to strike the back of my head (nape area) with what I felt was a hard closed-fist right hook.” 

According to Gacuma, he was once again confronted by Gomez after he was brought to the medical station to have his blood pressure checked. 

“While seated at the medical station and in the presence of the Thai medical volunteers, he literally capped my jawline forcefully with his right hand and said, ‘‘Di mo alam ang ginagawa mo! HR ka…. HR ka lang, wala ka alam sa pagiging atleta (You don’t know what you’re doing! You’re just a human resource, you don’t know anything about being an athlete)!’ ‘Sisipain kita diyan (I’ll kick you).’ He added, ‘Alam ko saan ka nakatira (I know where you live)!’ said Gacuma.

Larrazabal, who hails from Ormoc, of which Gomez was the former mayor, was one of the two original representatives in the women’s individual epee event after gaining the No. 1 ranking through five national ranking tournaments held between January and June.

But Larrazabal was replaced by Hanniel Abella on the recommendation of national team coach Rolando “Amat” Canlas over Larrazabal’s alleged unauthorized and frequent absences from national training in the past three months, failure to submit required visa travel documents for international competitions, and unresponsiveness to constant and repeated reminders from the national coaching staff and teammates regarding her whereabouts.

Gacuma said he and other PFA directors unanimously decided on the endorsement to replace Larrazabal on Sunday evening, December 14. 

When Gomez learned of the news on Monday, December 15, Gacuma said the actor-politician threatened to have the PFA’s budget cut. 

“I intend to consult with a legal counsel and decide to file the appropriate charges to [Gomez], who physically attacked me, verbally insulted me, among others. I clearly did not [deserve] any of his insults and maltreatment,” said Gacuma. 

“Mr. Richard I. Gomez is so unbecoming of a public official and our NSA (national sports association) will deliberate and address a severe charge of misconduct against him.”

Gomez airs side

In an interview with One Balita Pilipinas, Gomez confirmed the confrontation, although he did not explicitly admit to hurting Gacuma. 

“E lumapit siya sa akin. Alangan namang halikan ko siya doon. E lumapit siya, e ‘di sige, kung ganoon gusto niya. Aba, sino ba naman ako para umatras?” said Gomez. 

(He came to me. What should I have done? Kiss him? He came to me, and if that’s what he wants, why should I back down?)

Gomez claimed that there is favoritism in the selection of players. 

“Dati rin akong presidente ng fencing association. Matagal din akong atleta ng fencing. Sabi ko, never nangyari sa’min ‘yan na ikaw ‘yung No. 1 fencer, biglang hindi ka palalaruin,” he said. 

(I was a former president of the fencing association. I was also a former athlete in fencing. I said that never happened during our time, that you’re the No. 1 fencer and then they suddenly won’t let you play.)

“Nagkaroon talaga kami ng confrontation habang nag-uusap kami. I was so mad. When the country’s fighting for a medal, bakit mo ipapasok ‘yung mas mahina na player?”

(We really had a confrontation when we were talking. I was so mad. When the country’s fighting for a medal, why would you field the weaker player?)

Gomez added he also plans to take legal action against Gacuma and members of the PFA. 

“Months before that, binu-bully nila itong si Alexa. Sabi ko, you do not bully an athlete. ‘Wag ‘nyong babastusin ‘yung mga athletes namin. Ako rin, fa-file-an ko rin sila ng kaso for bullying our athlete,” he said. 

(Months before that, they were already bullying Alexa. I told them, you do not bully an athlete. Don’t disrespect our athletes. I’ll also file a case against them for bullying our athlete.)

“It is his right to file a complaint. Walang problema because ako, I am also filing a complaint for emotionally hurting my athlete. Atleta namin ‘yan e.” 

(It is his right to file a complaint. That’s not a problem with me because I am also filing a complaint for emotionally hurting my athlete. That’s our athlete.)

Larrazabal and Abella won bronze in the women’s team epee event together with Ivy Claire Dinoy and Gomez’s daughter, Juliana. – Rappler.com