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resident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led Filipinos rejoicing Sunday over the latest victory of Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, who caused Philippine troops and Muslim rebels to briefly lay down their arms to support him.
Pacquiao beat Marco Antonio Barrera on Saturday in a unanimous decision in a 130-pound bout in Las Vegas's Mandalay Bay, repeating an upset victory over the Mexican slugger that propelled him to boxing stardom four years ago.
``Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao once again buoyed the nation's spirit with his excellent fighting form and indomitable spirit,'' said Arroyo, a high-profile Pacquiao supporter.
``Our `national fist' is the Philippines' gift to the world of boxing,'' Arroyo said.
The win was a relief to the crisis-weary Philippines. Many of Manila's usually congested streets were emptied of traffic as throngs converged before TV sets at home, in movie houses, bars and hotels to watch the 12-round rematch which Pacquiao won by unanimous decision at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.
Many government troops battling Marxist and Muslim insurgents were drawn away briefly from combat duties to watch the bout, according to military chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.
``It's a very inspiring victory,'' Esperon said. ``While it is true that we had an informal cease-fire during the fight, we did not let our guards down.''
About 1,000 soldiers and their loved ones gathered in a basketball gym at the army's headquarters in Manila to watch Pacquiao, an army reservist. Three huge screens and a TV set, along with free snacks and noisy banter, lent a festive air to the army treat.
In the volatile south, many Muslim guerrillas belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front watched the bout on TV sets powered by car batteries or pocket radios. Many expected a knockout victory by Pacquiao _ fondly called by them as Pacman _ but were happy he won, rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said.
``It's disappointing there was no knockout but our happiness is solid nevertheless,'' Kabalu told The Associated Press by telephone.
Seeing combatants rooting for the same compatriot even momentarily may tempt many to wish for such boxing matches to be held daily, Kabalu said in jest.
Sun October 7, 2007 06:09 EDT
JIM GOMEZ Associated Press Writer MANILA, Philippines
Manny Pacquiao, right, of the Philippines, lands a right to the face of Marco Antonio Barrera, of Mexico, during the 10th round of their super featherweight boxing match at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) |