A boxing manager who has been linked to the death of Filipino boxer Lito Sisnorio in Thailand yesterday welcomed the arrest of matchmaker Ranilo Terania by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) while at the same time denied he and Terania were partners.
“It’s good that he’s been arrested,” said boxing manager Gemmil Contayoso from his residence in Kidapawan, North Cotabato. “Hopefully, we would all know the truth behind Sisnorio’s death.”
Sisnorio, 24, died after undergoing emergency brain surgery in a Bangkok hospital last March 31 following a brutal knockout loss to ex-world champion Chatchai Sasakul in the city of Samat Prakan the day before.
Sisnorio’s remains were buried over the weekend in Koronadal, South Cotabato.
Terania, also known as Bong Obero, is in the custody of the NBI after his arrest in Ermita last April 12. Terania has been charged with illegal recruitment.
Contayoso said he has nothing to hide and doesn’t plan to go into hiding.
“I don’t have anything to do with that (fight). I do not intend to run away,” said Contayoso.
Cantayoso had taken Sisnorio under his wings but was no longer the fighter’s chief handler when he decided to face Sasakul.
“I have already asked a lawyer in Manila to handle this case,” Contayoso said.
Contayoso is one of four men who will likely be served arrest warrants, according to Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Eric Buhain.
The three others are former boxer Rey Paciones, boxing manager Vic Adriano of Davao and Thai matchmaker Panya Prachakorn, all suspected of having something to do with the sending of boxers overseas sans the GAB’s knowledge.
Terania’s arrest was also relayed to Thai boxing officials.
After Sisnorio’s death, the GAB banned travel to Thailand by Filipino boxers until further notice.
Among the Filipino boxers affected by the GAB order are Bukidnon’s Leonel Lazarito and Binangonan’s Aljoe Jaro, who regularly receive offers from Thai promoters.
“Talagang malaki ang mawawala sa akin dahil sa ban ng GAB,” Jaro said in a recent interview.
