Richard Gomez Breaks Silence On Fencing Altercation; Defends Actions Amid Leadership Row
MANILA, Philippines—Ormoc City Representative and veteran fencer Richard Gomez has taken to social media to address the physical altercation involving him and Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) President Rene Peter Raul Lladoc Gacuma, which occurred during a heated board meeting earlier this month.
While Gomez stopped short of a formal apology for the physical nature of the encounter, his lengthy statement posted on his official Facebook and Instagram accounts provided his side of the story, citing "years of bottled-up frustration" over the state of the sport in the country.
In his statement, Gomez did not deny the confrontation but framed it as a result of systemic failures within the PFA. Gomez, who previously led the association, accused the current leadership of neglecting athlete welfare and mismanaging funds.
"I am not proud of the heat of the moment, but I will never apologise for standing up for our athletes who have been ignored and sidelined by a leadership that cares more about positions than podiums," Gomez wrote.
He further described the incident as a "breaking point" after his attempts to raise administrative concerns were reportedly dismissed during the meeting.
Addressing the specific moment he allegedly struck Gacuma, Gomez posted:
"When you are met with arrogance and a total disregard for the truth while our fencers suffer from lack of support, patience wears thin."
"The PFA has become a private club for a few, rather than a sanctuary for the many talented fencers waiting for their chance."
"I am ready to face the consequences of my actions, but are they ready to answer for the decline of Philippine fencing?"
Gomez's full statement as posted in his social media accounts
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has already taken note of the incident. POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed that the Ethics Committee is reviewing the matter, noting that "violence has no place in sports leadership, regardless of the grievances."
Gacuma, for his part, has maintained that the attack was unprovoked and has since sought medical clearance for a reported facial injury. In a brief interview with local sports media, Gacuma stated: "We were discussing standard board procedures when the physical assault happened. There is no excuse for such behaviour from a public official and a sportsman."
Several board members have reportedly called for a special election, while others are demanding Gomez be suspended from the board.
Gomez concluded his social media post by stating he would "welcome any investigation" as it would provide a platform to expose the alleged mismanagement within the association.
Click here to watch video of the incident: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1950110865852102
