Igorot fighter based in America collects 2 bronze medals in International Judo match

Benguet, Philippines – An Igorot fighter who was once detailed to secure a Philippine president collected two bronze medals in an international Judo match earlier this month.

Rex Payos of Tublay, Benguet, who is now in New Jersey in the United States of America with his family, is one of the Filipinos who competed in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games held in Birmingham, Alabama, from June 27 to July 6. The event gathered over 8,000 first responders from 70 countries to compete in at least 60 sports.

Payos played in the Judo – 81 kg +40 to 49 years old category, where he got a bronze medal. He likewise joined the Mr. Physique – 5’8” under +40 to 49 years old category, where he won another bronze.

The Igorot fighter is not new to the game as he earned a silver medal in the 2009 World Police and Fire Games held in Vancouver, Canada.

Talking to GURU Press Cordillera, Payos shared he was a varsity player for Judo at the University of Baguio when he was taking his degree in Criminology from 1999 – 2003. He worked in the uniform service, and his last assignment in the Philippines before he moved to the USA with his family was to be one of the Presidential Security Group in 2010. 

Among his preparations for this year’s World Police and Fire Games is practicing with Sensei Danilo Crosby, a former coach for the Judo Philippine Team, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Payos currently eyes joining other tournaments and plans to compete again in the 2027 World Police and Fire Games.