SEA Games row erupts as PFA president Rene Gacuma accuses Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez of physical assault

Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) president Rene Gacuma said he will not accept “any apology” from Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez following allegations that the lawmaker physically assaulted and verbally abused him during a fencing competition at the ongoing 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Gacuma has formally written Philippine delegation chef de mission Raul Canlas, detailing the incident. The letter is set to be submitted to the Ethics Committee of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the House of Representatives (HoR).

The alleged incident occurred on Tuesday, December 16, at the Fashion Island Shopping Mall in Bangkok. According to Gacuma, Gomez confronted him over the PFA’s decision to replace national team member Alexa Larrazabal. The fencer was reportedly dropped due to issues related to attendance and incomplete requirements.

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“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,” Gacuma said.

“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 added.

Gacuma said the decision angered Gomez, who allegedly confronted him when Gacuma went over to congratulate the congressman following his victory in a shotgun event.

‘RICHARD GOMEZ IS SO UNBECOMING OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL’

Nakunan ng CCTV footage ang pananakit umano ni Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez kay Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) President Rene Peter Paul Lladoc Gacuma sa gitna ng 2025 Southeast Asian Games sa Thailand. pic.twitter.com/7TQwF88trN

— News5 (@News5PH) December 18, 2025

“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? Did you take this up in the board meeting in my presence? You son of a bitch Rene, you are an idiot,’” the letter stated.

“I really felt what seemed like a right hook with a closed fist on my nape. A lot of people saw it. With his right hand, he squeezed my jaw really hard and he said, ‘You don’t know what you are doing. You’re just a human resource, you don’t know anything about being an athlete. I will kick you. I know where you live,’” it added.

Gomez, for his part, admitted to his “ungentlemanly deeds” during the incident in Thailand but maintained that the PFA’s decision to pull Larrazabal out of the competition was “unjust, unwarranted, and damaging to Alexa, the team, and the country’s overall results in the SEA Games.”

“My question is, why would the PFA president decide last minute to pull out its best women’s epee player and replace her with the number three player at the SEA Games? 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 Epee on December 18 instead? In fact, they assigned her the position of team anchor,” Gomez said in a statement.

“For Gacuma, it is easy to cry victim of assault. But for Larrazabal, her chance to compete in Individual Women’s Epee at the SEA Games had been unjustly stolen from her. As for justice, I will fight to protect our athletes to the very end,” he added.

Gacuma, however, said he intends to pursue legal action against Gomez, signaling that the controversy is far from over.

“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. Mr. Richard I. Gomez is so unbecoming of a public official and our NSA will deliberate and address a severe charge of misconduct against him,” Gacuma concluded.

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