POC boots out Velayo’s arnis association, paves way for Zubiri group to gain recognition as NSA

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) slammed the door on Arnis Philippines Inc. (Arpi) during its general assembly Thursday, a move that is seen to create concerns as the country—and the sport—prepares for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The assembly lowered the hammer on the organization headed by Raymond Velayo, citing the noncompliance of the group on certain requirements imposed by the POC.

Out of the 43 voting national sports associations, 38 signed to disenfranchise Arpi, which appealed for reconsideration during the GA meeting held at Meralco’s Multi-Purpose Hall.

The POC’s move paves the way for the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Pekaf) of Sen. Migz Zubiri, who vowed for an inclusive platform for the sport and its stakeholders, to make it to the official roll of national sports associations (NSAs).

Zubiri said Pekaf would hold a series of tryouts nationwide to determine the members of the national team to the SEA Games.

The development is not expected to quiet the arnis controversy. Velayo had earlier said his group was the accrediting authority for fighters who want to compete in next year’s SEA Games that the country is hosting.

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

The Arpi chief said he is willing to meet with all the stakeholders in the arnis sport for the benefit of national athletes.