MANILA, Philippines – Gene Poliarco, considered as the Dean of Philippine chess arbiters, passed away Sunday due to cardiac arrest.
He was 77.
An international Arbiter, Poliarco was credited to have taught some of the country’s best arbiters and chess organizers today.
“His memories will be with us always as a legend. In one way or another, he helped established and directed the shape and form of Philippine chess by teaching a lot of people including yours truly,” said Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, national women’s team coach who also organizes tournaments of his own.
Poliarco’s death came over a week after another chess personality, Fil-Aussie Olympian veteran Arianne Caoili died due to complications caused by a car accident in Yerevan, Armenia.