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Everything stops on Sunday for Pacquiao-Marquez fight


MANILA, Philippines - Daily routines, anti-administration rallies, crimes and military and police operations would come to a “halt" in the Philippines Sunday, as Filipinos watch their boxing idol Manny Pacquiao enter the ring for the title bout against Mexican slugger Juan Manuel Marquez. Leftist groups would shelve their placards and streamers Sunday to watch the bout entitled “Unfinished Business." "No major protests are scheduled [Sunday] as we join the Filipino people in wishing Manny the best in his fight against Marquez," Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes said in a text message to GMANews.TV. But he said his group would continue the ‘Unfinished Business’ with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo after Pacquiao’s fight, adding that Bayan expects a “political knockout" victory. Zero-crime day The Philippine National Police (PNP) has said it expects another zero-crime-rate day in Metro Manila and throughout the archipelago. PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Nicanor Bartolome on Thursday said authorities anticipate most Filipinos to be glued to their television sets during the duration of Pacquiao's rematch with Marquez. "Just like in the past fights of Manny Pacquiao, we expect again a tremendous decrease in the crime volume this Sunday, or even to the extent of anticipating a zero-crime rate during the period of the fight," Bartolome said in a news briefing at Camp Crame. "This goes to show that we Filipinos are really in support of a countryman who will again show the true form of a Filipino boxer," he added. But Bartolome assured the public that despite this anticipated low crime incidence, the PNP will not let down its guard, especially against criminals who might also take advantage of the situation. 7-hour cease-fire The leadership of Philippine Army on Saturday said it would be watching the live coverage of the much-awaited title match of one (and probably the most popular) of the organization’s reserve personnel - Pacquiao. Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr declared a seven-hour unilateral cease-fire against communist rebels so soldiers can watch Master Sergeant Pacquiao square off against Marquez. The suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) will start 8 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Sunday. Pacquiao is a reserve officer in the Army, carrying the rank of Master Sergeant. Pacquiao had visited troops to boost their morale. But Esperon said that despite the SOMO, soldiers would still have to conduct patrols. He also said the SOMO could be lifted immediately if a security problem arises. Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander B. Yano said he, along with the rest of the Army community and their dependents, would be watching the fight at the Army gym in Fort Bonifacio. “As to his past fights, we had free viewing on wide screen at the Army gym, open to our soldiers and their dependents, complete with snacks and refreshments. I will be watching the fight live with the rest of the army community as has been our tradition," Yano said. “Other soldiers in posts nationwide will also be on hand to cheer for their comrade-idol during fight time," he added. Several government officials are already in Las Vegas to watch the bout. A radio report said Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr had secured a ringside seat. The Office of the Vice President said De Castro left Friday for the US for official engagements in Canada at North American cities, but will watch the fight in Las Vegas. Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr and Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr (close friend of Pacquiao) have gotten ringside tickets that cost $600, or about P25,000 each. Also in Las Vegas are administration Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr and former Sen. Robert Jaworski Sr and superstar Nora Aunor, the report said. Reported seen in Las Vegas were defeated administration senatorial bets Luis Singson and Prospero Pichay Jr. The city governments of Manila and General Santos, hometown of people’s champ Manny Pacquiao, have prepared the venues where the boxing idol’s fight against Juan Manuel Marquez will be shown live, GMA News reported Saturday. A 12 x12 ft screen was installed and chairs were readied inside the Lagao Gym in General Santos City to accommodate up to 4,000 people. "In previous fights of Manny, some 3,000 to 4,000 (people) trooped in the gym. As far as security is concerned, I have talked to our team composed of 90 people that includes Army personnel," Ernie Quisay, chief of staff at Mayor's office, told GMA News. In Manila, the fight will be shown free in six sports complex of the city. The television report quoted Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim as saying the city government wanted to give residents the opportunity to watch their idol for free, and that there is extra fund that could be used to allow for free showing of the fight taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The city of Manila also plans to give Manny a hero's welcome when he returns to the Philippines from the fight. Freak accident Yano, who claimed to have sent a personal note of inspiration to Pacquiao on behalf of the entire Philippine Army, said he believed only a “freak accident" could make “Pacman" lose the fight. “I believe the fight will not go the full distance given the skill and preparation of Master Sergeant Pacquiao, and unless there is a freak accident on the ring, he will come home with the belt," Yano said. “I have no doubt that he (Pacquiao) will bring home the bacon. He has seriously prepared for the fight and shown his courage and mettle in recent fights," he added. The Army chief, however, added that win or lose, Pacquiao would remain the “pride and idol" not only of the entire Philippine Army but of all Filipinos as well. - GMANews.TV
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