Arnis Team of Tacurong came out victorious after toppling opponents in championship rounds en route to a 15-gold medal tally in the 1st Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) World Invitational held in Cebu City on April 6 to 8.
Aside from the 15 golds, the city’s arnis players also collected 17 silvers and 19 bronzes.
Around 220 stickfighters coming from 11 countries including the Philippines gathered at the Sky Park of the SM Seaside City Cebu to compete in the tournament.
Aside from the Philippines, other arnisadors who competed were from China, Korea, India, Iran, Mexico, USA, Qatar, Oman, Belarus and Russia.
Tacurong City fielded 19 players to the tournament with each winning at least one medal.
The gold medalists included Melvin delos Santos and Angelo Huinda who both collected 3 golds, while Chara Generoso won 2 golds.
Each of the following also got one gold medal: Joemer Baculinao, Nora Kaye Villaruel, Cherry Ann Alfon, Laura Gene Manzano, Royce Lopez, Jester Huquire, and Mary Joy Marollano.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lina Montilla personally congratulated the players during their courtesy call to her office on April 11. (AFreno, LGU Information)