SEA GAMES -- RP STILL THIRD WITH 12 GOLDS

Jakarta, Oct. 15, 1997 - The Philippines remained in third position overall, with 12 gold medals, 16 silvers and 24 bronzes in the South East Asian Games (SEA Games) being held in Jakarta.

Swimming champ Ryan Papa displayed another record-shattering performance in the 100-meter backstroke, clocking 56.48 seconds. Yesterday's feat broke Papa's old record of 57.84 seconds by 1.36 seconds. It also betters his national standard of 57.34 seconds set two years ago in the United States.

Papa's second gold in the SEA Games brings to four the day's gold harvest. The other gold medals are from: veteran Taekwondo jin Ma. Nelia Sy, fencer Richard de Guzman and wushu standout Bobby Co.

The biggest disappointment of the day was the loss of Elma Muros in the 100-meter run, where the title holder finished fifth.