7 PINOYS OUSTED FROM SEA GAMES FOR DRUGS

Manila, Oct. 12, 1997 - Seven Filipino athletes have been kicked out of the South East Asian Games (SEAG), being held in Jakarta, for testing positive to drugs.

As reported by several Manila newspapers, the first RP competitor eliminated for the offense was Softball player Sherwin Tabar, who was found positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride, more popularly known by its street name "shabu."

Yesterday, Philippine sports officials and enthusiasts were shocked to learn that five more body builders were found positive for steroids while a member of the water polo team was confirmed for cannabis (marijuana) use.

The body builders were immediately ordered dropped from the Philippine contingent by federation head Levi Macasiano, who received the findings from the International Olympic Committee-recognized tests from Australia.

In addition, there are four more athletes being tested for marijuana after they failed the first tests conducted by the Philippine Center for Sports Medicine.