A social media video of Alas Pilipinas Girls assistant coach Oliver Balse comforting Jhaynna Bulandres has drawn mixed reactions online, with some fans calling for an explanation while others defended the coach and urged the public not to rush to judgment.
The video, which circulated on social media during the Philippines’ campaign in the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship against Peru in Chile, showed Balse appearing to embrace Bulandres near the team bench.
The footage prompted questions from some social media users, particularly because the player is a minor and Balse is part of the national team’s coaching staff.
Kumakalat na sa Socmed specially sa ibang bansa about sa assistant coach ng Baby Alas, sana mabigyan pandsin at mabilis umaksyon para maprotektahan ang Baby Alas U17 players. pic.twitter.com/qSofhUO7fX
— 𝕄𝕒𝕟𝕘 𝓔𝓷𝓻𝓲𝓺𝓾𝓮𝔃 (@Mang_Enriquez) August 11, 2026
One user, identified as _AnGelo, called on the team management to look into the incident and clarify Balse’s relationship with Bulandres.
“Minors like her should be protected. This behavior on national tv is so unnecessary,” the post said.
The same user asked the team management and the coach to provide an explanation, while emphasizing that the concern was about protecting the young athletes.
Another social media post similarly called for attention to the issue, saying that the video had already circulated outside the Philippines.
The reactions, however, were not unanimous.
Other fans argued that the footage alone should not be used to conclude that misconduct had taken place. Some pointed out that the interaction could have been a gesture of comfort or support during the match.
One commenter said, “I think it’s not that harmless naman ahhh. I think hindi naman to pambabastos sadyang hays people are so judgemental.”
Another user questioned the criticism, writing, “Isn’t your reaction kinda OA too? There’s no malice from the coach anyway.”
A separate commenter also urged people to consider the context before making accusations and said an inquiry would be appropriate if there were legitimate concerns about a possible abuse of authority.
The discussion comes as the Alas Pilipinas Girls continue their historic campaign in the U17 World Championship. The Philippines advanced to the Round of 16 despite finishing the Pool B preliminary round with a 2-3 record.
Balse has been part of the team’s coaching staff during the tournament. Before becoming a coach, he was a former member of University of Santo Tomas men’s volleyball team, a Philippine national team player and played as an import in the Malaysian league, where he was recognized as Best Import. (By the Staff)
