The Philippine Army Arnis Team ruled the 2nd Battle of the Champions hauling a total of five medals including five gold medals in the two-day competition held at Ninoy Aquino Sports Complex, Malate, Manila from February 24 to February 26, 2023.
Five Army arnis athletes bagged gold in various categories: TSg Mike Bañares in the Single Live Stick 18 to 45-year-old Male 81.1 to 90.0 Kg; SSg Niño Mark Talledo in the Single Live Stick 18 to 45-year-old Male 55.1-60.0 Kg; Pvt Crisamuel Delfin in the 18 to 45-year-old Male Single Stick Musical; Pvt Erlin Mae Busacay in the Single Live Stick 18 to 45-year-old Female 63.1-70.0 Kg; and Pvt Dexler Bolambao in the Single Live Stick 18 to 45-year-old Male -55.0 Kg. Meanwhile, four Army arnis athletes also bagged silver medals in the following categories: MSg Villardo Cunama in the Single Stick 18 to 45-year-old Male 66.1 - 73.0 Kg; Pvt Mary Allin Aldeguer in the Sayaw 18 to 45-year-old Female Double Stick Musical; Pvt Jesfer Huquire in the Padded Point 18-45-year-old Male -55.0 Kg; and Pvt Sheena Del Monte in the Padded Point 18 to 45-year-old Female 48.1- 52.0 Kg. Moreover, Sgt Kemberly Acero snagged the bronze medal in the Single Live Stick 18 to 45-year-old Female 63.1-70.0 Kg. The event was organized by the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF), an arnis organization recognized association by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Special Service Center (SSC) Director Colonel John Oliver F. Gabun commended the Army arnis athletes for showcasing the soldier-athletes’ brand of excellence in the Filipino art of stick fighting. ”Continue to train hard and sustain your winning momentum,” the SSC Chief said.
Photos from the Special Service Center, Installation Management Command, Philippine Army