Monday, March 17, 2008 Army to honor Pacquiao for beating Marquez
THE Philippine Army (PA) leadership said due recognition would be accorded to Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, an Army reservist, for winning the fight against Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez via a split decision in Las Vegas.
This as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded Pacquiao both for his victory against Marquez and for once again uniting the country as every Filipino watched, prayed and cheered him on.
"The Philippine Army is one with whole nation in jubilation for the international honor brought about by one of its outstanding reservists," said Army Chief Alexander Yano of Pacquiao who holds the rank of master sergeant.
"We shall await with enthusiasm the homecoming of Master Sergeant Pacquiao and prepare due recognition for another mission excellently done," added Yano, who is taking over as Armed Forces chief on May 9 when incumbent AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. retires.
Yano said the 75,000-strong Army is proud of the feat of Pacquiao who won via a split decision.
"Team Army is exceptionally proud of Master Sergeant Manny Pacquiao for his split decision victory over an equally talented boxer, Juan Manuel Marquez. The bout was witnessed on a live telecast by the Army community numbering to the thousands, at the Army gym in Fort Bonifacio," said Yano.
Among those who watched the fight at the Army gym were Army Internal Auditor Carlos Holganza and Army Headquarters Support Group Chief Ricardo Morales. Yano watched the fight in Baguio City, where he will attend the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation on Tuesday.
"I could see while watching the fight and upon Pacman's victory that once again, a genuine sense of nationalistic pride was generated by Manny Pacquiao. The kind of pride that provides inspiration, unites the whole nation and gives hope to everyone that greatness is possible amid enormous challenges," said Yano.
When asked what recognition the Army leadership would give to Pacquiao upon his return, Army spokesman Ernesto Torres said: "That is what the Army is still discussing -- what type of recognition would be given to him."
But Torres said Pacquiao might not be promoted to the next rank of second lieutenant, saying he still lacks a college degree. Pacquiao was promoted to the rank of master sergeant when he won against another Mexican boxer Marco Antonio Barrera last year.
Arroyo, in a statement, said Pacquiao's victory brought "immense glory to the Flag and Filipino people" and he continued to inspire everyone to strive harder and to unite at this time of divisiveness in the country.
She described Pacquiao as icon of the masses who mirrors "the champ within" every Filipino whether in the Philippines or abroad.
"Once more, he has inspired us with his big fighting heart, his determination and grit. He is truly one of our nation's heroes who can unite us even in times of divisiveness. I join the Filipino people in savoring this moment of sweet victory and national unity prompted by the courage, discipline and fighting heart of our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao," she said.
"Like him, we, too, shall overcome the battles ahead, with courage and a steadfast faith in ourselves, our country, and the Lord Almighty," she added.
Meanwhile, as predicted by police authorities, no crime incident was reported in the country Sunday morning when Pacquiao snatched the World Boxing Conference Super Featherweight title from Marquez.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Nicanor Bartolome said the outpouring of support by the entire nation for the Filipino fighter resulted in "zero crime" incident in all regions of the country.
However, moments after Pacquiao was announced the winner via split decision in Las Vegas, eight armed men robbed passengers of a Genesis bus along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) in Pasay City at 12:30 p.m.
The robbery lasted for a few minutes until the last suspect disembarked in Kamuning, Quezon City.
Bartolome said the National Capital Region Police Office under Director Geary Barias is now investigating in incident. (VR/JMR/Sunnex)
