Jan Palermo, Marlyn Garrucho deliver ASEAN Para Games gold in athletics, fencing

Jan Jyro Palermo and Marlyn Garrucho powered the Philippines to a pair of gold medals in the ASEAN Para Games, ruling the para athletics and para fencing events on Wednesday in Thailand.

Palermo captured gold in the men’s long jump T20 with a leap of 6.89 meters, while compatriot Jae Phillippe Arce placed fourth after recording 6.47m.

In para fencing, wheelchair fencer Garrucho shone in her ASEAN Para Games debut, edging hometown favorite Thitirat Pengprasittipong of Thailand, 15-11, in the women’s wheelchair (A) saber gold medal bout.

En route to the title, Garrucho defeated fellow Filipina Marieta Hernandez, 15-6, in the quarterfinals before outlasting another Thai contender, Duean Nakprasit, 15-13, in the semifinals.

Earlier in the day, the Philippines also bagged three gold medals courtesy of para swimmers Angel Otom, Gary Bejino, and Ernie Gawilan.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News