THOSE who don’t want to spend for pay-per-view television or miss the Pacquiao-Cotto fight’s live telecast can go to any of several barangay halls, restaurants or hotels to join other Pacquiao fans.

While Manny Pacquiao attempts to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title from Miguel Cotto, traffic is expected to be light, even for a Sunday.

Some operatives at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) who have to work will have the chance to watch the fight—that is, if no calls for help reach them.

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The CCPO will set up two flat-screen television sets at the Philippine National Police Region 7 Health Service Unit and one at its Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.

Senior Inspector Floriser Radasa said that most policemen contributed in order to raise the P1,500 needed for the pay-per-view charge. Some policemen brought the TV sets, while others lent their speakers.

He assured, however, that the police will still go around the city to ensure peace and security.

The Cebu City police force is on heightened alert in time for the much-awaited fight.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Patrocinio Comendador Jr. and Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Jesus Gaquing said they have reminded the stations not to let their guard down.

Random checkpoints will be set up, although the police force expects fewer people than usual to hit the streets during the live and delayed telecasts of the fight.

To encourage off-duty policemen to stay at the CCPO headquarters inside the Camp Sotero Cabahug—and enable them to serve as a reserve force—Comendador said a projector with the live streaming of the fight from the Internet will be put up for the police to watch.

This way, in case major incidents break out, the police can be immediately dispatched.

Residents of Barangays Cogon Central Ramos and Talamban and nearby communities can watch the fight on wide screens put up in their sports complexes.

Both barangays are charging P50 per person.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama and City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem plan to watch the fight at the Parklane International Hotel.

“I predict that Manny will beat Cotto the way he did Oscar (Dela Hoya). Knowing that Cotto is a very tough opponent and hard to knock down or out, the fight will be stopped by either the referee or his (Cotto) own corner when he will be beaten up and bleeding too much from Pacman’s super speed and power punches,” the councilor said in a text message.

Pay-per-view airing of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight is also being offered by SM City Cebu, Ayala Center, Cebu Coliseum, Mandaue Sports Complex, Marriott Hotel, Club Ultima/Crown Regency, Royal Concourse and the Cebu International Convention Center.