Masco chief sacks erring MYG exec

The Manila Sports Council cracked the whip on an erring dancesport coach yesterday for allowing ineligible participants to join the ongoing first Manila Youth Games at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Masco chairman Ali Atienza, son of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, suspended indefinitely Ed Daeng, a member of dancesport screening committee, for fielding in participants above the age requirement of 12 years.

"Dancesport coach Ed Daeng is suspended indefinitely and banned from all Masco-sanctioned events in the future," said MYG jury of appeals head Ariel Paredes. "This is regrettable decision but we have to set an example to prevent this unfortunate incident from happening again."

Protests marred Day Two of the weeklong event following reports that winners of Tuesday’s modern standard category are over-aged.

Despite the suspension of Daeng, MYG organizers let the early winners keep their medals but recognized fifth placers Charles Tajon and Jade Daeng – Daeng’s niece – and sixth placers Russel Jordan and Jennina Ilagan of District 1 as the gold and silver medal winners.

The over-aged pairs of James Paul Talusan and Gerica Mae Tulao, Rex Mendel Manite and Judy Melencio and Gilbert Igaya and Marisse Claudette Melencio finished 1-2-3 earlier.

"We let the early winners keep their medals because we do not want to blame them. These are just kids," said Atienza. "But of course, recognition will go to the deserving ones."

At the resumption of hostilities yesterday, Hilbert Habon, the long jump winner Thursday, struck for three more gold medals as the Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Dapitan continued its domination of the athletics event.

The Palarong Pambansa-bound Habon started his spree by topping the century dash in 14.7 seconds. Kim Lorence Aguilan and Nelson Palao came in second and third.

Habon later returned to rule the 400m run before teaming up with Darryl Caballo, Aguilan and Kenneth Millare for the 4x100m gold.

Alejandro Albert Elementary School swept the sprint honors with Rose Anne Trinidad ruling the girls’ 100m dash.