Following a brawl that marred the Palarong Bicol 2024 in Albay between the teams from Masbate City and Naga City, the coach of the Naga City football team apologized for the incident.
In an official statement, the coach said violence has no place in sports.
“I strongly believe that violence has no place in sports, whether as a player or as a spectator,” the statement read.
“I extend my hand in peace and apology to everyone who was hurt and to everyone who was equally saddened by the turn of events. I hope and pray that forgiveness, peace, and healing prevail amidst this trying time,” it added.
The Naga City Government echoed the coach’s sentiments and said it is cooperating with DepEd Naga and Palaro officials in investigating the matter.
“Such behavior is wholly inconsistent with the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and respect that we steadfastly uphold as a delegation. We deeply regret the disruption caused by this incident and extend our heartfelt apologies to all affected parties,” its statement read.
INCIDENT
The incident happened during the championship game of the secondary football event on May 3, 2024.
The Masbate team was already winning, 5-0, when a player from Naga City allegedly assaulted an athlete from Masbate. The Masbate athlete sustained injuries.
“According po doon sa tournament manager namin, tapos na halos ‘yung laban. Actually, panalo na ‘yung Masbate City, 5-0. Nagse-celebrate na nga. Nakadapa yata ‘yung bata. Siguro, out of frustration nung player ng Naga, parang tinungtungan. Natalo kasi ‘yung Naga,” Engr. Ronald Asis, Regional Sports Coordinator of Palarong Bicol 2024, said.
The Masbate athlete was given immediate medical attention. He has expressed appreciation for the concern and support of those involved.
ACTION
The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Naga City reiterated that it does not condone any violence involving its delegates.
“Doon po sa athletes natin at patuloy sa paglalaro, lalong lalo na po ‘yung magre-represent ng Bicol region sa papalapit na Palarong Pambansa sa July [2024], sa akin lang po, huwag nating pairalin ‘yung ating emotion; at sundin lang natin ‘yung ating guidelines pagdating sa bullying, abuse, at saka kung ano pa man mga hindi kanais-nais na aksyon o gawain ng isang indibidwal,” Fernando Macaraig, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd SDO Naga City, said.
Meanwhile, the Learner’s Rights and Protection Office of the Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol continues its investigation into the incident, as of this writing.
The athletes and sports officials will undergo Psycho-Social First Aid (PFA).
The Masbate City Local Government Unit (LGU) also released an official statement, urging the public to be patient while investigations by DepEd Region V and DepEd SDO Masbate City are ongoing.
