AFP, PNP hail Pacquiao victory vs. Matthysse

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) lauded new World Boxing Association welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao for his latest victory in the boxing ring.

In a press statement, Colonel Noel Detoyato, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Chief office, said that government troops are proud of and inspired by Pacquiao's performance in the ring as well as his humility in victory.

"In his latest triumph of winning the WBA Welterweight World Title, Manny Pacquiao did not only demonstrate the Filipino's natural trait of strength and courage, he also showed the world, how determined, disciplined and hardworking the Filipinos are; just like his comrades in the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Detoyato said.

He said Pacquiao's dedication and hard work have continued to inspire soldiers to do the same in the exercise of their duties.

In a separate statement on News TV Live, AFP spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo said that Pacquiao served as a good model who depicts the determination of a Filipino.

"He proved the saying among soldiers that one becomes more courageous when wounded... Manny displayed the grit and determination of a Filipino, his determination and courage to rise from his previous fall, against the doubt of people, of his capability to win," Arevalo said.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde, in a separate press statement, said the whole police force has joined the whole country in celebrating Pacquiao's triumph.

"Ang lahat ng hanay ng inyong Pambansang Pulisya ay kasabay ng buong Sambayanang Pilipino sa pagbubunyi dahilan sa pagkapanalo ng ating Pambansang Kamao, Senator Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao," Albayalde said.

"Nawa ang panalong ito ay magsisilbing halimbawa at inspirasyon ng bawat Pilipino na kaya natin pabagsakin ang problema sa kriminalidad at ilegal na droga kung tayo ay magtutulong-tulong at magkakaisa sa labang ito," Albayalde added.

The senator-boxing icon scored a seventh round technical knockout victory against Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse.

Pacquiao dedicated his triumph to all Filipinos and to President Rodrigo Duterte, who was able to watch the fight before a scheduled meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

IN PHOTOS: Pacquiao vs. Matthysse

— Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News