Palaro probes two studes for age-cheating

MANILA, Philippines - Two student-athletes are being investigated for alleged age-cheating following a crackdown of the Department of Education to ensure no ineligible players could slip into the Palarong Pambansa, an annual multi-sports meet for elementary and high school students, unfurling this weekend in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Cesar Abalon, Palaro deputy secretary-general and technical management chair, said screening and accreditation head Cornelio Pacala had already evaluated the reports regarding the two alleged age-cheaters.

If found to be above the age limit, the two athletes, allegedly from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, may be banned from participating in the elementary boys athletics firing off Sunday at the newly refurbished Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, organizers said.

“These are the initial findings we got but we will know more after their deliberations are concluded,” said Abalon.

The DepEd has clamped down on potential age-cheaters after a few cases rocked the Palaro in previous years.

Abalon explained the screening and accreditation of athletes for the annual multi-sport event is being strictly done to level the playing field and ensure fair play and honesty.

With two days left before Sunday’s opening hostilities, participants from all 17 regions including defending secondary general champion National Capital Region are already here to prepare and acclimatize for the meet.

Action starts Sunday with athletics offering the first gold.

However, the opening ceremony has been reset from Sunday to Monday to enable President Aquino to attend.

Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has also graced the inaugurals of the Palaro in the past, specifically in the 2003 edition in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.