MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao paid a visit to wounded soldiers at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City on Saturday and exhorted them to continue their fight against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“Kahit kayo ay nasugatan, dapat ituloy ang laban (Even though you have been wounded in battle, you should continue the fight),” Pacquiao told the soldiers.

Pacquiao, who holds the rank of master sergeant in the Philippine Army Reserve, told the 66 wounded soldiers confined at the medical center’s Hero’s Ward that he would dedicate to them his fight against Oscar de la Hoya in Las Vegas on December 6.

The 30-year-old world boxing champion said that he was willing to visit the troops in the battle fields of Mindanao to boost their morale.

The soldiers were injured in fresh fighting with the MILF after rebels under MILF Commanders Ombra Kato and Abdulla Macapaar alias Commander Bravo occupied barangays (villages) in North Cotabato and Lanao Del Norte.

Accompanying Pacquiao was Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Alexander Yano, Philippine Army commander Lieutenant GeneralVictor Ibrado, and Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez.

“This is a good gesture on his (Pacquiao) part. It shows that the soldiers are not alone and they are supported by the Filipino people,” Yano said.

The boxing icon also distributed some appliances and packages of goodies to the wounded soldiers.

The AFP Medical Center also received from Yano and Pacquiao a brand new incubator for prematurely born babies.

Also given to the soldiers were cellular phone credit loads to allow them to communicate with their loved ones while recuperating in the hospital. The loads were pooled by the different financial institutions of the AFP.

Pacquiao was cheered by the soldiers, hospital staff, and visitors and fans lined up on the hallways of the medical center.

Yano introduced Pacquiao by imitating ring announcer Michael Buffer’s introduction of Pacquiao during the boxer’s fights. “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome Maaaannnny “Paaacmaaan” Paaaacquiaaaaio!!!,” Yano announced in a modulated voice to lusty cheering.

Pacquiao expressed confidence he will beat De la Hoya.