Richard Gomez Faces Assault Allegations Following SEA Games Silver Medal Victory
MANILA, Philippines - Leyte Representative Richard "Goma" Gomez has found himself at the center of controversy at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, after Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) president Rene Gacuma accused him of physical assault and threats.
The incident, which occurred on December 16 at Fashion Island fencing venue, has overshadowed Gomez's recent silver medal achievement in shooting at the regional competition.
The Confrontation Unfolds
According to Gacuma's formal complaint to SEA Games chef de mission Raul Canlas, the altercation stemmed from the PFA's decision to replace fencer Alexa Larrazabal in the individual women's epee event. The decision was made unanimously by PFA directors on December 14.
Gomez, who serves as a PFA board member and second vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, allegedly showed "clear resentment and anger" upon learning of the replacement during a team dinner on December 15.
"I'm in Pattaya, two hours away, but I'll be going after you!" Gacuma quoted Gomez as saying in his first threatening message. The lawmaker allegedly followed with another threat: "I'll have all PFA directors summoned to Congress so we can see if you'll still be getting any budget."
Physical Altercation Details
The situation escalated when Gacuma, along with Attorney Mike Abundo and Chips Dayrit, approached Gomez to congratulate him on his shooting silver medal. What should have been a moment of celebration turned violent.
"When I extended my right hand to congratulate Mr. Gomez, he planted his right foot heavily on my left foot, to limit my mobility," Gacuma recounted. "He squeezed my right thumb very hard like he wanted to dislocate it."
The confrontation reportedly included verbal abuse, with Gomez questioning Gacuma's authority over the athlete replacement decision. As Gacuma attempted to leave, the representative allegedly struck him in the back of the head with a closed fist.
Medical Station Incident
The harassment continued when Gacuma sought medical attention due to elevated blood pressure. Gomez allegedly followed him to the medical station, where he grabbed Gacuma's jaw and made additional threats.
"You don't know what you're doing! You're HR... just HR; you don't know anything about being an athlete!" Gomez reportedly said, before threatening to "kick" Gacuma and warning "I know where you live!"
Gacuma, a quadruple bypass survivor who wears a heart pacemaker, reported that his blood pressure reached a dangerous 220/180 following the assault.
Gomez's Defense
In a News5 interview, Gomez defended his actions, claiming Gacuma approached him first. "They decided on the eve of the event that our No. 1 fencer in epee was struck off the roster," he explained. "That has never happened to us at PFA, that you are the No. 1 fencer and you don't get to play."
"I was so mad," Gomez admitted. "When the country is fighting for a medal, you don't field the weaker player."
Official Response
Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino acknowledged awareness of the incident but noted no official complaint has been filed yet. "Being mature people, they should settle the matter among themselves," Tolentino stated, while emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Gacuma has indicated plans to consult with legal counsel regarding filing formal charges against the congressman, describing Gomez's behavior as "unbecoming of a public official."
This incident highlights ongoing tensions within Philippine sports governance and raises questions about conduct standards for officials representing the country in international competitions.