Elordes appeal to boycotting lensmen

Laura Elorde, widow of the legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, appealed yesterday to the members of the Sports Press Photographers Association of the Philippines to reconsider their plan of boycotting future boxing coverages at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.

Ramon Vecina, president of the SPPAP, issued the boycott order Sunday, a day after photographers covering Manny Pacquiao’s fight against North Korean challenger Tetsutora Senrima walked out of the venue due to what they claimed was the shabby treatment they got from the security personnel of the Ynares Center.

Security personnel of the Ynares Center prevented the photographers from taking pictures of the title match from ringside because they were blocking the view of the VIP spectators, including Rizal Gov. Ito Ynares, leading to some verbal attacks and eventually the walkout.

"I’m sure the governor would not do that but some of his people were over-enthusiastic at first I thought it was the camp of the challenger that ordered the photographers to stay away from ringside. Nag-walkout pala sila that’s why no pictures of the fight came out in the papers the following day," said Mrs. Elorde.

"Some people don’t realize the importance of the coverages for the writers and the photographers. Without the proper exposure, this could lead to the death of boxing in the country. These people at the Ynares Center must know the importance of the role of the media," she said.