POC to welcome 4 new NSAs

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will accept into its general assembly national sports associations (NSAs) in surfing, floorball, tchoukball and sikaran on Thursday, when it will pursue action on the resolution revoking the membership of Arnis Philippines, Inc. (Arpi).

According to POC communications director Ed Picson, 39 out of the 43 voting NSAs have signed to disenfranchise the group of Arpi president Raymond Velayo, a move that will be tackled before the GA set at Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall.

Velayo, however, said his group would be the sole accrediting body for arnis athletes who want to compete in the Southeast Asian Games.

“Let me state categorically, Arpi is the one and only NSA sanctioned by the POC and Philippine Sports Commission to select national athletes for international competitions,” Velayo said.

“The 2019 SEA Games list of national athletes for arnis will be selected next month. The worst we can do is to hamper their preparations at this critical stage,” Velayo said.