Senate inquiry into attack on Pinoy boxer in Argentina sought

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the attack  on the Filipino boxer moments after winning a title bout in Argentina. Senate Resolution 719 seeks to direct the Senate committee on games and amusements to inquire into the actions taken by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) before and after Filipino boxer Johnriel Casimero was attacked by angry supporters of Argentinian fighter Luis Alberto Lazarte, who lost the IBF super-flyweight interim title in the bout. "There is a need to look into the safety procedures and protocol provided by the host organization and to protect the safety of our athletes participating in local and international competitions," Pimentel, chairman of the Senate games and amusements panel, said in the resolution. He likewise said that there is a need to look into the need for legislation that would require promoters to ensure peaceful and orderly fights, including coordination with government authorities where the contest is being held. Executive Order No. 392 says the GAB shall supervise and regulate professional sports and prevent the existence and proliferation of illegal bookie joints and other illegal forms of gambling in professional sports and amusements games. Pimentel said the GAB is also supposed to supervise and regulate the operation and conduct of professional sports and their activities in order to "promote and maintain orderly, honest and fair conduct of games; provide protection to the betting public and patrons, practicing licensees in the professional sport concerned; and make professional sports activities a stable base for revenue generation." On Wednesday, the Senate adopted a resolution asking the Department of Foreign Affairs to recall the Philippine ambassador to Argentina to explain what happened to Casimero.  The chamber also asked the DFA to request the Argentinian ambassador to the Philippines to do the same. — LBG, GMA News