GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines–It was silent at the Pacquiao mansion in Lagao village here.

Despite the boxing icon’s victory over Miguel Cotto, there was no celebration because there was no one there to celebrate.

Minvelez Gulle, Pacquiao’s spokesperson here, said all the Pacquiao children were in their residence in Laguna.

Pacquiao’s estranged parents Rosalio and Dionisia, including his brothers Bobby and Rogelio and sister Isidra went to the United States to personally show support for the Pacman.

But at the General Santos Gymnasium, where fight was shown via live feed, Pacquiao’s diehard fans jumped and shouted the moment the Filipino ring icon took control of the bout in the fourth round.

Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. said he had no doubt Pacquiao would win in this fight.

“I had no an iota of doubt in my heart and mind,” Acharon said.

The mayor promised to prepare a grand hero’s welcome in time for the Pacman’s homecoming.

“Definitely, there will be a grand hero’s welcome for him. Even if he’s already residing in Sarangani, everybody knows he’s from this city,” Acharon said.

South Cotabato 1st District Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio thanked Pacman for bringing in unprecedented honor and pride not only to his family but above all to the country.

Custodio, who defeated Pacquiao in his congressional bid last 2007 election, said: “Thank you Manny for making us happy and proud once again.”

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also praised Pacquiao.

“We congratulate him. He’s a good boxer. We are looking at him the same with other World’s boxing legends,” Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

Jaafar, the second top rebel official, said Pacquiao’s victory showed he won in the training.

“Boxing is a sport. But time will come someone stronger will fight against him and he will definitely lose,” Jaafar said.

Residents in Central Mindanao were glued on the television to watch his winning fight.

In Cotabato City, Mayor Muslimin Sema agreed that with Pacquiao's victory against Cotto. “He is now a certified national treasure. He has improved a lot. We in the city are very much proud of him.

"No doubt, he is an international legend in the world of boxing. Seven titles for a Filipino is now history," said Cotabato City Vice Mayor Japal Guiani Jr.

Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of the Archdiocese of Cotabato said: “Our prayers had been answered. We are proud of you Manny. Mabuhay ka (Long live)!"

In Tagum City in Davao del Norte, roars of jubilation filled gymnasiums and restaurants as fans cheered Pacquiao’s victory over Cotto.

“Pacquiao is number one!” exclaimed student Danjo Revilla as he joined the crowd inside the CAP Auditorium in Tagum City.

Thousands other fans trooped to municipal and village gynasiums in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley as the local governments in these areas had already made tradition the free viewing of Pacquiao fights.

With reports from Aquiles Z. Zonio, Charlie C. Señase, Jeoffrey Maitem, Frinston Lim Inquirer Mindanao