Soldiers view Pacquiao fight for free, expect zero crime

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Soldiers may watch for free Manny Pacquiao’s bout with the American Christopher Algieri as the military has designated special areas for free live screening of the fight.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines grandstand and the wellness center in Camp Aguinaldo and the AFP Medical Center have been designated as free live screening areas.

Lt. Col. Marlow Patria of the AFP public affairs office said the Air Force, the Army and the Navy were also readying free viewing for their personnel.

“We hope that Pacquiao will bring honor to the AFP and the country as a reserve military officer,” he said. Pacquiao is a lieutenant colonel in the reserve force of the Army.

In four rounds

Soldiers who are free on Sunday may enjoy the free show with their families, the military said.

AFP Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said he expected the bout to last three to four rounds before Pacquiao finishes off Algieri.

“To our Lt. Col. Manny Pacquiao, our congressman, our greatest fighter of all time, we wish you all the best. We know you can do it,” Catapang said.

“They say bring home the bacon. I say, bring home the tapa,” Catapang jested, referring to the Filipino way of curing meat.

The Philippine National Police will not be holding a free live screening in Camp Crame.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said other PNP offices were not required to follow suit.

“It depends on the different regional offices and other units if they will hold free screenings of their own,” he said.

The PNP expects a lull in crime incidents on Sunday as Filipinos watch the bout.

“We hope to see another zero crime situation on Sunday but we will not let our guard down,” Mayor said.

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