Police on alert Sunday despite almost no crime during Pacquiao fights

MANILA, Philippines—While it has been observed that crime rates dramatically drop whenever Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao fights, the police will not be complacent and will remain on alert even as they look forward to another peaceful day on Sunday.

“Inaasahang muling magiging mapayapa at tahimik ang araw ng laban ni Manny Pacquiao kay Juan Marquez tulad noon. Ganoon pa man, mananatiling nakamasid ang inyong kapulisan at buong giting na tutugon sa anumang hindi kanais-nais na mga pangyayari (We expect another peaceful day when Manny Pacquiao fights Juan Marquez just as in previous fights. Even then, the police will remain on alert and respond to any untoward incident),” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said in a text message to reporters Friday.

Recalling Pacquiao’s previous fights, Cruz Jr. said that crime incidents were usually close to zero.

Through its spokesman, the PNP also expressed support for the “people’s champ.”

Pacquiao will battle Marquez for the third time on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA.—Jamie Marie Elona