By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Department of Education Western Visayas (DepEd-6) reminded athletes competing in the ongoing Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet to maintain respect and uphold sportsmanship throughout the event.
“We reiterate to all athletes, through their respective delegation officials and coaches, to act accordingly, maintain respect, and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship at all times,” DepEd-6 information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. said in a statement to Daily Guardian on Thursday, March 6.
Escullar issued the reminder following a heated football match between Iloilo and Negros Occidental in the elementary boys’ division on March 5.
The game turned intense, with physical altercations between players resembling a wrestling match.
The Iloilo football team, represented by Barotac Nuevo, submitted an incident report and a complaint letter to the Child Protection Committee under the Schools Division Office Iloilo.
The report cited unfair officiating and alleged physical aggression from the Negros Occidental team.
According to Iloilo head coach Sam Flores, the conflict began when a Negros Occidental player held and blocked an Iloilo athlete, leading to a scuffle.
Despite the controversy, Iloilo secured a 2-0 victory against Negros Occidental in Game 5, advancing to the championship match.
Escullar said the athletes involved in the incident would receive appropriate intervention through DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection Office.
The office was established to safeguard learners from abuse, exploitation, conflicts, and threats to their development and well-being.
