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Richard Gomez

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) president Rene Gacuma said he will not accept any apology from Leyte Representative Richard Gomez after the lawmaker allegedly struck him on the nape in a sporting venue hosting fencing matches at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.Gacuma sent a letter to Dr. Raul Canlas, Chef d’Mission of the Philippine delegation to the SEA Games, detailing the incident, which will also be submitted to the Ethics Committee of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the House of Representatives (HoR).Gacuma told ABS-CBN News that the lawmaker’s conduct followed the PFA&#x27;s decision to replace Philippine fencing team member fencer Alexa  Larrazabal. Despite her performance in the national tryouts, the PFA noted decreased attendance and other concerns.&quot;There were opportunities for our athletes to level up their play by being exposed to international competitions. Of course, when you travel, you need to submit documentary requirements for your visa. Ms. Larrazabal fell short of the opportunity. She did not complete the requirements in a timely manner,&quot; he said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/12/16/richard-gomez-dedicates-his-sea-games-silver-medal-to-the-people-of-ormoc-city-0929">READ: Richard Gomez dedicates SEA Games silver medal to the people of Ormoc City </a></div>“It is totally unfair for one striving, sacrificing to make this country proud. Ms. Larrazabal was unresponsive to the numerous messages reminding her to look for her. That puzzled us.”He said this decision angered Gomez, leading to a surge of messages directed at a PFA director.Last Tuesday, Gacuma approached Gomez in a sporting venue to congratulate him over his victory in a shotgun event. This is where the lawmaker allegedly took out his anger on Gacuma.“I extended my right hand, and he squeezed it so hard while stepping on my left foot with his right foot. He tried to break my thumb. I was shocked. He said, ‘(expletive) mo Rene, who gave you authority na palitan &#x27;yung athlete?”Gacuma, who had just undergone a bypass procedure and is on a pacemaker, decided to turn around and walk away when Gomez struck the back of his head.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/12/18/seag-jose-falters-against-vietnamese-foe-settles-for-another-fencing-silver-0136">READ: SEAG: Jose falters against Vietnamese foe, settles for another fencing silver</a></div>The incident Gacuma was referring to was caught on CCTV. “I really felt what seemed like a right hook with a closed fist on my nape. A lot of people saw it,” heb said.But Gomez’s anger apparently did not end there. While resting in another part of the venue, Gacuma said Gomez approached him yet again and grabbed his jaw.“With his right hand, he squeezed my jaw really hard and he said, ‘(Expletive) you Rene. (Expletive) mo. Hindi ka atleta, HR ka lang!”The lawmaker also allegedly threatened him by saying he knows where Gacuma lives.“I have consultations with private individuals. And I will do what is necessary to protect my family,” Gacuma said.For his part, Gomez acknowledged his “ungentlemanly deeds” during the incident in Thailand, but maintained that the decision to bar Larrazabal from the individual women’s epee event was “unjust, unwarranted, and damaging to Alexa, the team, and the country’s overall results in the 33rd SEA Games.”In a statement, Gomez said the decision to remove Larrazabal, made under the leadership of Gacuma, had a “huge impact on individual players and eventually proved damaging to the Philippines’ results in Individual Women’s Épée.”“My question is, why would the PFA president decide last minute to pull out its best women’s epée player and replace her with the number three player at the SEA Games?” Gomez said.Gacuma earlier explained that Larrazabal’s removal was based on recommendations from the national coaching staff.Gomez also questioned the consistency of the decision, pointing out that Larrazabal was allowed to compete in the Team Women’s Épée event on December 18 and was assigned as team anchor. “What is even more confusing is that if Alexa Larrazabal was indeed guilty of all the above allegations, including claims that she did not prepare enough for the SEA Games, why did they allow her to play in the Team Women’s Épée on December 18 instead?” Gomez said. “In fact, they assigned her the position of team anchor.”The Leyte lawmaker further criticized what he described as inconsistencies in the PFA leadership.“For Gacuma, it is easy to cry victim of assault. But for Larrazabal, her chance to compete in Individual Women’s Épée at the 33rd SEA Games had been unjustly stolen from her,” Gomez said. “As for justice, I will fight to protect our athletes to the very end.”

Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) president Rene Gacuma said he will not accept any apology from Leyte Representative Richard Gomez after the lawmaker allegedly struck him on the nape in a sporting venue hosting fencing matches at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) president Rene Gacuma said he will not accept any apology from Leyte Representative Richard Gomez after the lawmaker allegedly struck him on the nape in a sporting venue hosting fencing matches at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Fencing chief says 'won't accept' Gomez apology after alleged assault

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Fencing chief says 'won't accept' Gomez apology after alleged assault

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 18, 2025 06:21 PM PHT

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Updated Dec 18, 2025 08:05 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

fencing

Southeast Asian Games

SEA Games 2025

Philippine Fencing Association

Richard Gomez

Rene Gacuma

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