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Monday, October 08, 2007
Pacquiao causes brief ceasefire
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led Filipinos in rejoicing Sunday over the latest victory of boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, who caused troops and Muslim rebels to briefly lay down their arms to support him.
Pacquiao beat Marco Antonio Barrera on Saturday night in a unanimous decision in a 130-pound bout in Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay, repeating an upset victory over the Mexican slugger that propelled him to boxing stardom four years ago.
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“Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao once again buoyed the nation’s spirit with his excellent fighting form and indomitable spirit,” said Arroyo.
“Our ‘national fist’ is the Philippines’ gift to the world of boxing,” she said.
Many of Manila’s usually congested streets were emptied of traffic as throngs converged before TV sets at home, in movie houses, bars and hotels to watch the 12-round rematch.
Many government troops battling Marxist and Muslim insurgents were drawn away briefly from combat duties to watch the bout, according to military chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.
“It’s a very inspiring victory,” Esperon said. “While it is true that we had an informal ceasefire during the fight, we did not let our guard down.”
About 1,000 soldiers and their loved ones gathered in a basketball gym at the army’s headquarters in Manila to watch Pacquiao, an army reservist. Three huge screens and a TV set, along with free snacks and noisy banter, lent a festive air to the treat.
In the volatile south, many Muslim guerrillas belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) watched the bout on TV sets powered by car batteries or pocket radios. Many expected a knockout victory by Pacquiao—they call him Pacman—but were happy he won, rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said.
“It’s disappointing there was no knockout but our happiness is solid nevertheless,” Kabalu told The Associated Press by telephone.
Seeing combatants rooting for the same compatriot even momentarily may tempt many to wish for such boxing matches to be held daily, Kabalu said in jest.
When Barrera sneaked a punch after the referee briefly stopped the fight in the 11th round, many guerrillas booed, deeply riveted by the game. Many yelled in joy when Pacquiao’s victory was announced but there was no celebratory gunfire, he said.
“That would be a waste of bullets,” Kabalu said. (AP)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pampanga. (October 8, 2007 issue)
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