Rep. Tulfo wants to probe mauling of taekwondo newbie during training

Rep. Erwin Tulfo. Senate PRIB file photo

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking to investigate the alleged mauling incident of a taekwondo newbie while training in Bulacan has been filed before the House of Representatives.

Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo and four other lawmakers filed House Resolution No. 1670 on Wednesday instructing the appropriate committee to investigate the circumstances behind the incident.

READ: PTA investigates taekwondo incident in Bulacan

In a statement, Tulfo said they filed the resolution after receiving reports on the 17-year-old yellow belter victim who sustained multiple injuries after her coach allegedly instructed her to spar against a taller and heavier male black belter.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident raise serious concerns about the safety protocols, supervision, and regulations within the Taekwondo community, particularly regarding the appropriateness of match-ups between practitioners of different skill levels during training sessions,” the resolution said.

“The safety and well-being of athletes, especially minors, should be paramount in any sporting activity, and coaches and trainers have a duty of care to ensure that training sessions are conducted in a manner that minimizes risks of injury or harm,” it added.

The probe aims to determine which agency is authorized to supervise the training sessions in taekwondo and other sports.

“Lalo na ngayon, maraming summer classes sa iba’t ibang klaseng sports, hindi lang sa taekwondo, pero maging sa basketball, swimming, football, tennis, at iba pa,” Tulfo said.

(Especially now, a lot of summer classes and sports training are happening, not only in taekwondo, but also in basketball, swimming, football, and tennis among others.)

The resolution also seeks “to review and evaluate existing regulations, practices, and standards within the Taekwondo community, to identify gaps or deficiencies that may require legislative intervention to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.”

“It is imperative to ensure accountability and transparency in the sports sector, particularly concerning the safety and welfare of athletes, coaches, and stakeholders involved in sports development and promotion,” it added.