A member of the PBA’s pool of referees died on Tuesday, casting a dark cloud on the day the league celebrated its 44th anniversary.
Guillermo “Emy” Tangkion passed away when he collapsed while participating in the referees workout held shortly after the PBA D-League games at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao. He was 47.
Tangkion, who had no health issues in the past, was rushed to the hospital but attempts to revive him went futile.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the league will provide financial assistance to the family of Tangkion, who he considers as one of the best performing referees.
A moment of silence was expected to be observed during Wednesday’s PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tangkion officiated games in the collegiate ranks before joining the PBA’s pool of referees during the term of then-commissioner Chito Salud.
He has been a regular fixtures in the PBA Finals and was part of the officiating crew that joined the recent PBA All-Star Weekend in his home province of Pangasinan.
His last officiating duty came last Sunday when Rain or Shine beat NorthPort, 91-85, in their quarterfinal match at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Tangkion’s last public appearance was in Monday’s quarterfinals at the Big Dome where he assisted the PBA’s technical staff. (Jonas Terrado)
