The father of a 15-year-old girl in Iloilo City is bent on filing a case against the councilwoman who prodded his daughter and a 14-year-old member of the LGBTQIA community to vent out anger via a boxing match on March 11, 2025.
Marlon, the father has mulled on seeking assistance from the Iloilo City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in filing a case against a "kagawad" (councilwoman) of Barangay West Habog-Habog, Molo District.
“Nakita ko na namula ang mukha niya. Alam mo kasi, iyan pa rin ang gagawin nila, i-bully pa rin nila ang anak ko. Gusto kong mag-file ng kaso para hindi na maulit pa sa ibang bata,” Marlon said.
The Iloilo CSWDO has vowed to assist Marlon.
Earlier, the councilwoman admitted that out of frustration she prodded the two minors to a boxing match to settle the rift between the two who reportedly could not be stopped.
The official has acknowledged her lack of good judgment in the said situation, and apologized.
According to Oscar Lim, head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Iloilo City, the councilwoman’s way of discipline is inappropriate.
The DILG has investigated on the incident.
Lim said that the councilwoman, along with the punong barangay (barangay chairman) will be summoned as the officials could have raised the conflict at the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.
“Dapat pinigilan nila. Pinag-usapan sana sa Barangay Council for the Protection of Children. Kung may problema diyan, pag-usapan with the assistance of social worker,” Lim pointed out.
According to a boxing coach, engaging in boxing without proper gears and physical conditioning is extremely dangerous.
Bonnie Celendro, a boxing coach, said that head gears, boxing gloves, and mouth guard are essential in boxing to avoid head injury and protect other vital body parts.
The fight must also be done at a boxing ring with the guidance of a trained referee.
Celendro underscored that there should be proper training before individuals are allowed to engage in a boxing match.
“In case mapuruhan ang bata, walang somebody na mag-stop. Napakadelikado kasi number one, ang natatamaan is ang ulo especially sa baguhan. At mag-hit siya nang todo, so as coach, delikadong mag-boksing kung saan-saan lang,” Celendro emphasized.
