Chavit sounds the alarm

Former Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) president Luis “Chavit” Singson is sounding the alarm over the line-up of national shooters going to the Asian Games.

In a press conference held at his home in Quezon City on Thursday, the former Ilocos Sur governor decried the arbitrary selection of shooters to represent the country, despite the staging of monthly tournaments by the association. He noted that athletes who were not qualified were sent to the highest-level shooting events such as the ISSF World Cup Shotgun held in Lonato del Garda, Italy last July.  

One of the athletes sent to the World Cup was Enrique Apolinario, a first-timer from the United States. Apolinario regularly competes in American skeet events, which is technically very different from Olympic skeet that is the format of international amateur competitions. He submitted a DNF (did not finish). Another, Jake Ancheta, never joined any qualifying events, was in the Olympic skeet event, and performed abysmally.

“It’s a shame that we’re sending bottom-dwelling athletes,” says Singson, who has been financially supporting the shooting team for over 30 years. “If the POC did not approve it, then who approved their inclusion? There should be an investigation so that this will not happen again.”

“To have a DNF is the worst thing for a shooter to do,” added former national shooter Raul Arambulo, who was also at the press conference. “Once you start shooting, you never stop. You’re competing for the country.”

Worst of all, some of the unqualified athletes like Ancheta are on the roster for the Asian Games, which start next week. Singson and Arambulo also mentioned the surprising exclusion of 22-year-old Carlo Valdez, an air-pistol shooter whose scores rival those of the world’s best. Valdez topped six of the eight monthly qualifiers conducted by PNSA. His record would be good enough to medal in the Asian Games. PNSA officials allegedly claim that Valdez’ parents refuse to send him. Arambulo counters that the family only objected to the presence of a PNSA foreign coach who openly berated their son smack in the middle of a shooting round abroad, hurting his performance and traumatizing him.

“We are calling on the POC, the Senate and Congress through the media to investigate,” Singson explained. “The honor of the country is at stake.”

Whether or not these people offered to compete, were convinced to, or have personal connections with current PNSA officials, they should not have been sent in the first place. Even if they used their own money, there was still government expenditure, accreditation and the use of the name and flag of the country, which is not a simple matter. It is a big deal, and must be looked into by relevant government authorities.

More on Monday.