Philippine Pencak Silat president Princess Kiram denounced the alleged violent incident involving a Malaysian coach who attacked a Filipino jury member during the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.
Philippine Pencak Silat president Princess Kiram is calling for accountability following a disturbing incident at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where a Malaysian coach allegedly assaulted a Filipino jury member.
In an interview with Cignal, Kiram emphasized that high emotions are never an excuse for violence in sport.
“Yung nangyari kahapon na kaguluhan is maybe kasi super high ‘yung emotions, pero hindi ‘yon excuse para maging bayolente ka,” she insisted.
According to the article published by VnExpress International, the altercation reportedly stemmed from a controversial quarterfinal bout between Malaysian athlete Nor Farah Mazlan and Thailand’s Rueanthong Chongthima, which ended in a 60–60 tie.
Officials awarded the victory to Chongthima, citing more fouls committed by Mazlan.
The story continues as following the decision, Malaysia’s head coach Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir, Mazlan, and other team members initially lodged a verbal protest.
When the appeal was denied, tensions escalated into a physical confrontation, with some Malaysian team members allegedly attacking referees and officials.
Kiram revealed that one of the Filipino jury members became a direct target during the chaos and matters worsened when the competition manager was hospitalized after trying to intervene.
“Hindi siguro napigilan ng coach ng Malaysia na he wants to attack the jury kasi pinagbibintangan nila na hindi [siya] nagpupuntos sa kanila kaya sila natalo and it so happen na one of the jury is a Filpino,” Kiram said.
She continued: “Nasa hospital ngayon ‘yung competition manager since inawat niya ‘yung coach ng Malaysia na gustong atakahin ‘yung sana 'yung one of the jury pero inawat ni competition manager kaya siya 'yung na take-down."
In response, Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino met with Thai organizers on December 16 to ensure the safety and well-being of the Philippine Pencak Silat team and to seek clarity on the incident.
POC President Bambol Tolentino togetehr with the Philippine Pencak Silat team earleir today | Photo: AJ Bolando/Cignal
Despite the turmoil, the Philippine team continued to deliver on the mat.
Almohaidib Abad clinched bronze in the Tunggal Male Singles, while Rick-Rod Ortega, Edmar Tacuel, and James El Mayagma secured bronze in the Men’s Team Regu event respectively.
(With reports from AJ Bolando/Cignal)
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.