Yolanda survivors in Tacloban raise voices, flags as Pacquiao prevails over Rios

TACLOBAN CITY — For two hours, survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the city raised their voices as boxing hero and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao earned a unanimous decision win over Brandon Rios.

And when Pacquiao was officially declared the winner, they raised their arms – some raising the Philippine flag – in triumph.

Many survivors trooped to the city convention center, a short walk from their tent city, to watch the televised bout between Rios and Pacquiao, who had dedicated his fight to Yolanda victims.

Navy men had cleaned the venue in past days in time for the showing.

During the show, survivors cheered when Pacquiao scored punches and booed when Rios would hit the Filipino champ.

But while the survivors went home happy, some still wanted more from the champ.

"Sana matulungan kami ni Manny Pacquiao. Sana pumunta siya rito sa Tacloban (We hope Pacquiao can come help us)," said typhoon survivor Jun Jun Mabini.

But even Mabini said he was happy with the outcome.

On the other hand, the survivors quickly returned to reality after the bout, many lining up again for relief items.

Tacloban residents were among the hardest hit by Yolanda, which left more than 5,000 dead. — LBG, GMA News