Tito Tagle, 82

MANILA, Philippines - Former sports editor Emmanuel Perez de Tagle died in his sleep early morning Sunday in his residence at Pacita 2 Subdivision in San Pedro, Laguna.

Tagle, a stickler for details, sports records and game statistics in a career that spanned more than 50 years, was one of the most senior sports chroniclers when he passed away at age 82.

He worked for the Philippines Herald, first as a sportswriter then as sports editor before editing the now defunct Sports World, a lively sports weekly during the martial law years. He later worked as a senior deskman of the Philippine News Agency.

Tagle, a founding member of the PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) had been in and out of the hospital after suffering an accident last May 3 in front of his residence.

His remains will be brought to the National Press Club for public viewing today.

Cremation will be announced later.