MANILA, — Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said authorities again expect a “lull” in crime incidents on Sunday, just like during Pacquiao’s previous fights.
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s scheduled fight against American boxer Christopher Algieri on November 23, Sunday is at the Venetian Macau’s Cotai Arena.
Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, chief of Public Information Office of PNP, said in previous Pacquiao fights, everyone will be hooked to television screens to watch but he gave assurances that police will remain vigilant against criminal elements that may take advantage of the event.
“We hope to see another zero crime situation on Sunday but we will not let our guard down. We will continue with our police duties,” Mayor told the Philippines News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview.
He added that the PNP will not hold a free live screening in PNP headquarters just like the previous fights of Pacquiao.
He also clarified that the cancellation of Pacquiao free screening fight will be specific to Camp Crame and they are not requiring PNP offices to follow.
“This is particularly sa Camp Crame lang po we are not requiring others to follow. Depends on the different regional offices, smaller units if they will continue to have their own or they could just opt to watch the regular telecast with their families at comfort of their homes,” Mayor said.
Last April, Pacquiao won by unanimous decision, ending opponent Timothy Bradley’s undefeated streak and taking the WBO Welterweight title in a rematch bout held at Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao will now be defending the title against New York’s undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion, Algieri, at the Venetian Macau’s Cotai Arena.