The Games and Amusement Board is seeking approval to hold closed-door boxing events.
GAB Chairman Baham Mitra said he and Commissioners Mar Masanguid and Ed Trinidad have taken the initiative by sending an appeal before the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Mitra explained that the GAB is pushing to have matches without the presence of spectators as part of efforts to reduce, if not eliminate, the possible spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The resumption that is being proposed is subject to specific health protocols that may be provided by the Department of Health.
“We are thankful to all the members of the IATF for giving us the chance to present our case. This is a good development for the entire professional sports community,” stated Mitra.
The GAB has been closely coordinating with the DOH and Philippine Sports Commission Technical Working Group to come up with a Joint Administrative Order.
The order aims to provide guidelines on the conduct of health-enhancing physical activities and income-generating professional sports activities during pandemic.
On Saturday, the JAO was finally presented by Undersecretary Brigido J. Dulay, Foreign Affairs Undersecretay for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns, for ratification before the IATF.
The GAB took note that no professional sports activity has taken place over the last four months.
“We are thankful to all the members of the IATF for giving us the chance to present our case. This is a good development for the entire professional sports community,” Mitra said.
