THE Games and Amusements Board (GAB) is not letting its guard down as far of staging of pro boxing and other contact sports in areas under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
Boxing, mixed martial arts, muay thai and kickboxing are now allowed based on the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) submitted by GAB, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Health (DOH) and approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
But GAB Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra reminded everybody that strict health and safety protocols will be followed to prevent a resurgence of the deadly coronavirus disease.
“As previously announced, all professional boxing, MMA, muay thai and kickboxing promotions are now allowed to be held without an audience following the issuance of Joint Administrative Order (JAO)/2020-0001 duky approved by IATF,” explained Mitra.
But Mitra reminded all promoters and participants to strictly follow the guidelines, including attending a COVID-19 Basic Infection Control and Safety seminar as part of the GAB permit requirements.
The seminar is organized by GAB and usually is given online during the “Kamustahan sa GAB” every Wednesday.
All licensed participants shall be required to attend the online seminar regarding CoVid-19.
Mitra said only a maximum of five bouts will be allowed by JAO/IATF and live audience is still prohibited.
The former governor and three-time lawmaker from Palawan also announced the following requirements for promoters:
- Submit a letter of request for permit from GAB, specifying the event’s location;
- Complete fight card signed by the promoter and matchmaker;
- Exact number and list of participants, attending the boxing/MMA/muay thai/kickboxing event, their respective names, address and phone numbers (the list shall include all GAB license holders, boxers/fighters, seconds, officials and members of the promoter’s team, including the promoter designated health and safety officer); and
- LGU and necessary health permit clearance/s for each participant should be secured as part of the event requirements submitted to GAB.
“All request letter, fight card, and other requirements above, should be submitted at least 18 days before the date of the contest,” said Mitra.
