Hidilyn Diaz says all her focus is on representing Philippines amid inclusion in ouster matrix
Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines celebrate at the podium during the victory ceremony for the women’s 53kg weightlifting event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 21, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA
MANILA, Philippines—After being tagged in a matrix that illustrates an alleged plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte, Olympian Hidilyn Diaz stressed that all her time and focus is dedicated to training for several international competitions where she will carry the country’s colors.
Diaz first expressed shock over her inclusion in the matrix on Wednesday when the news first came out and continued to deny any knowledge of the said destabilization plot by releasing a video statement on her Facebook page the day after.
“Ano’ng matrix? Ano po ‘yun? Di ko po alam kung ano ‘yung sinasabi nilang matrix. Di ko po maisip kung pa’no napunta do’n ang pangalan ko.”
READ: Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz shocked over inclusion in oust-Duterte matrix
Diaz she doesn’t have time to be part of any political uprisings as she’s focused on her weightlifting career. She is preparing for the upcoming 2019 Southeast Asian Games and qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
“Busy po ako lagi sa kaka-training, lalo na ngayon malapit na ang Olympics,” said Diaz in the Facebook post. “Ang pangarap ko lang, manalo at makapagbigay ng medalya sa bansa.”
“Halos lahat ng oras ko nasa training para mairepresenta ang Pilipinas sa SEA Games at Olympics Qualifying. Mahabang paghahanda, marami pa akong kailangang gawin sa training, sa pagpapabuti ng technique, sa pagkokondisyon ng katawan at isip. Tutok po talaga ako para sa pangarap ko, para sa pamilya ko, para sa mga Pilipino.”
READ: Lacson on Hidilyn, Gretchen in matrix: ‘Bikoy’ infiltrated NSA?
Diaz, who won a silver medal in Rio 2016, said that she initially laughed off the accusation but has started to fear for the safety of her family.
“Noong unang nakarating sa akin ang balita na nadawit ang pangalan ko, natawa lang ako, akala ko biro,” said Diaz. “Pero nang nakapag-isip ako, may takot na rin ako, hindi dahil sa totoo ang balita kundi dahil sa seguridad ko at ng pamilya ko.”
“Hindi na alam ng mga tao ngayon kung ano ang totoo at hindi. Pero ako, alam ko kung ano ang totoo sa isyung ito—na wala akong kinalaman dito.”
