Angping issues strict house, gun ban rules

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Sports Commission will implement stricter house rules in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of muay chief Robert Valdez over the weekend at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

After banning firearms in all sports agency-owned facilities, PSC chair Harry Angping yesterday ordered the strict implementation of the 10 p.m. curfew to athletes living at its facilities.

Aside from the Philsports Arena, athletes from more than 40 national sports associations, including regular and associate members, train and live at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and the Teacher’s Camp in Baguio.

“No excuses, if they don’t follow the curfew they will be immediately suspended,” said Angping. “It’s going to be tough, but I have to put my foot down and instill discipline among the coaches and athletes.”

Actually, the curfew has been implemented in the previous PSC administration but Angping observed there had been violations of the rule.

“I told them do not allow the athletes to shout back at you. If anybody shouts at you, you report to me and I’ll have that athlete suspended,” he said.

Angping stressed that the Valdez incident was an example of breakdown of discipline.

“It’s like the student shouting back or shooting the teacher, we really have to instill discipline,” he said.

Last Saturday, Sonny Sumales, a former coach and a medalist in the 2005 Manila Southeast Asian Games, allegedly gunned down Valdez reportedly after an altercation.

“We will not tolerate any athlete or coach to be hostile on their leaders or any official for that matter. It’s unacceptable,’’ said Angping.       – Joey Villar