Muay Thai head's death big loss, says colleague

MANILA, Philippines - The former president of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines yesterday described the death of Robert Valdez as a big, terrible loss to the sport.

“It’s a very big loss because Robert was a very dedicated official of the sport. Muay Thai was his way of life. Buhay nya iyan,” said Gen. Lucas Managuelod, Valdez’ predecessor.

The retired police officer who was at the helm of the MTAP from 1999 to 2004 said all Valdez wanted was to “keep the sport alive in the country” and at the time of his death was doing a very good job.

Valdez was gunned down last Saturday at the MTAP training quarters at the Philsports Complex in Pasig. The suspect, Armyman Sonny Sumales, immediately fled after the shooting.

Managuelod refused to comment about the shooting, saying the case is now in the hands of the police.– Abac Cordero