Boxing Terrorism in Philippines: What Fight Fans Worldwide Need To Know
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Hiliongos, Philippines (January 3rd, 2017)– On Wednesday night, December 28, 2016, in Barangay, Central Poblacion, Hiliongos, Philippines, on Leyte in the Viscaya group of islands, 380 miles southeast of the capital city Manila, a terrorist attack on a public plaza where an outdoor boxing show was being held killed ten boxing fans and injured 20 more, through the use of an improvised explosive bomb device. A second exploded bomb was also found at the site after the attack.
The boxing event, which was part of an annual Roman Catholic festival celebration, became a nightmare when a cellphone and an 81 mm mortar round were used to detonate the explosive devices. The victims included ten children watching the boxing matches between the ages of seven and 15 years old. Boxing has always been an inspiration for young people determined to escape the cycle of poverty and fight their way to the top.
While boxing matches have always carried medical, health and hospital, accidental death and blanket insurance for the event, the occurrence of boxing acts of terrorism are a relatively new phenomenon. In the Continental Americas, metal screening devices and handheld electronic checks have become the standard. In the Far East and the third world, though, security and screening for indoor and outdoor events is not held to the same standard.
Communist guerrillas, Abu Sayyaf, and Islamic State sympathizers are among the suspected militants involved in armed insurgency in the Southern Philippines who are suspected in the boxing terrorist attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility.
To what extent do boxing fans have to concern themselves? All sports fans have noted worldwide incidents in recent years which have caused heightened security at major and minor sporting events (in the wake of the rising Islamic insurgency in parts of the Middle East). The Western world is not a center of terrorist activity. There is however always a need for a security presence, and most incidents in the Western world have been the act of lone disturbed individuals. However, the lack of consistent security at nightclub and outdoor club style smaller shows and events does a vulnerability. The moral of the story is not just at sporting events and public places, but wherever you go, remain alert and remain vigilant for suspicious individuals and suspicious activity. Anything can happen at any time, and the aware of your surroundings you are, the better your response if any when something goes wrong.
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