Senate seeks recall of envoy to Argentina over attack on Filipino boxer

MANILA, Philippines—The Senate on Wednesday sought the immediate recall of the Philippines’ ambassador to Argentina and an explanation from the Argentine ambassador in Manila to explain a post-fight attack on victorious Filipino boxer Johnriel Casimero by an angry mob in Argentina.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile moved for the adoption of a resolution directing the Department of Foreign Affairs to recall Philippine Ambassador Rey Carandang and summon Argentine Ambassador to the Philippines Joaquin Daniel Otero after Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III delivered a speech condemning the Feb. 11 attack.

The Senate adopted the resolution and the presiding officer, Sen. Loren Legarda, was quick to point out that Manila was not severing its ties with Buenos Aires.

Sotto called the attack a “black eye’’ on the image of Argentineans. Enrile described it as a “sordid and unfortunate incident.’’

“[In light of] the manner by which they mistreated, assaulted, insulted the honor of the country, as well as the person of that Philippine team, especially our boxer, I move that we direct the Department of Foreign Affairs under the power to ratify treaties, and to ratify the assignment of ambassadors to this country… to recall our ambassador to Buenos Aires, and to call the ambassador to this country to explain why they have the temerity to assault the flag, the honor, the dignity of this country represented by our boxer that went to the country thinking that this is a civilized country, and not a country of abnormal, uncivilized people,’’ Enrile said.

Legarda said this was not a severance of ties with Argentina.

“We’re not severing our ties,’’ she said, adding that Carandang would be asked to appear before the Senate to explain the incident.

Legarda said she would also ask the DFA to submit a report and to relay the country’s displeasure with the incident to the Embassy of Argentina in Manila.

After Casimero stopped Argentine Luis Alberto Lazarte in Round 10 of their fight, Argentinean fans hurled bottles and chairs onto the ring. Some climbed onto the ring and pounced on Casimero and his boxing team. They were injured.