Palace expresses concern over attack on Filipino boxer

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Wednesday said it was concerned over the Februaary11 attack on Filipino boxer Johnriel Casimero by an angry mob in Argentina following his victory over an Argentinean opponent there.

Abigail Valte, a Palace spokesperson, said it will leave it to the Department of Foreign Affairs to act on the Senate’s resolution seeking the immediate recall of Philippine Ambassador to Argentina Rey Carandang in condemning the attack against Casimero and members of the Philippine boxing team there.

“We were concerned about what happened,” Valte told reporters, adding that the Palace will defer to the action that will be taken by the DFA on the Senate resolution.

Asked whether the Palace will endorse the recall order of Carandang, Valte said that the DFA will have discussions on the Senate resolution.

The Senate has sought the immediate recall of the Philippines’ ambassador to Argentina and an explanation from the Argentine ambassador in Manila to explain the post-fight attack on Casimero by an angry mob in Argentina.

Casimero on Sunday emerged the winner over Luis Alberto Lazarte after their IBF Light Flyweight bout in Buenos Aires was stopped on the 10th round.

After the fight, Argentinean fans hurled bottles and chairs into the ring while some jumping into the ring. Casimero was shielded from the attack by members of his team, some of whom were injured.