PNP anticipates zero crime rate during Pacquiao-De la Hoya match

Criminals are expected to take a rest tomorrow to watch the bout between Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya.

However, Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, said policemen will continue to patrol the streets despite the anticipated zero crime rate.

“Although we anticipate zero crime during the fight, we will not let our guard down, we will continue our patrols while the public is enjoying and watching the fight,” he said.

Speaking at the Talakayan sa Isyu ng Pulis weekly forum, Bartolome said policemen can watch the replay of the boxing match on television the following day.

During Pacquiao’s previous fights, no crime was reported to the police in Metro Manila, Bartolome said.

Police also expect a 30-percent reduction in traffic during the same period compared to other Sundays.

In Manila, the city government is offering a free live-telecast of the fight between Pacquiao and De la Hoya.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has asked his staff to make preparations in all of Manila ’s sports complexes for tomorrow’s event.

Lawyer Rafaelito Garayblas, secretary to the mayor, was instructed to coordinate with Lim’s chief of staff Ricardo de Guzman, City Administrator Jesus Mari Marzan, City Engineer Armand Andres and Tourism Director Ofelia Co for the live-telecast of the bout.

Lim said those holding tickets previously issued by the city government will have priority admission into the sports complexes.

De Guzman and Marzan assured the public that marshals will be assigned to man the entry to the sports complexes to ensure that there will be no overcrowding.

Co said accommodations will be given to those without tickets should there still be seats available.

Andres was tasked to coordinate with the Philippine Sports Commission for the use of Ninoy Aquino stadium, which can accommodate about 5,000 people.

No tickets are needed in that venue as accommodation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free showing of the bout will be at the Tondo Sports Complex (District 1), Patricia Sports Complex (District 2), Rasac covered court (District 3), Dapitan Sports Complex (District 4), San Andres Sports Complex (District 5) and the Teresa covered court (District 6). – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Sandy Araneta