Ousted Arnis NSA seeks IOC help

Expelled by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Arnis Philippines Inc. (Arpi) president Raymond Velayo is ready to bring his case before the International Arnis Federation and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Velayo, who gathered the rest of the Arpi board of directors in a recent press conference, claimed that the membership of a national sport association (NSA) in the POC would only cease upon disbandment of the association.

An NSA could also be expelled for nonpayment for three consecutive years of its annual subscription with its international federation or infringement of the POC bylaws and Olympic charter, Velayo added.

“There is no valid reason to remove us and there is no basis for revocation,” said Velayo, who claimed no reason was given for Arpi’s expulsion.

A total of 39 out of 43 NSAs voted to expel Arpi during a recent POC general assembly, paving the way for the entry of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Pekaf) headed by Sen. Migz Zubiri.

“There were only 25 voting members present in the GA,” said Velayo. “We will appeal our case before the IOC.”