Soldiers in 'Pablo' operations can't watch Pacquiao fight

MANILA, Philippines - Military rescue operations will remain non-stop in typhoon-ravaged provinces even during the fight of Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Province Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, a military reservist with the rank if lieutenant colonel, will faceoff with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez for the fourth time on Saturday in Las Vegas (Sunday in Manila).

Col. Arnulfo Burgos, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said that off-duty personnel and their dependents can still watch Pacquiao fight, which will be aired live in several venues in the military's main cap in Camp Aguinaldo and major service camps around the country.

AFP chief General Jessie Dellosa, meanwhile, said that Pacquiao will continue to serve as an inspiration for Filipinos especially during this time that Filipinos are reeling from the tragedy caused by Typhoon "Pablo."

"As a military reservist with the rank of lieutenant colonel, his fight will surely bring new fire and spirit to our brave and selfless soldiers conducting search, rescue and relief missions to our brothers and sisters affected by Typhoon Pablo,” Dellosa said.

He added: “The AFP, along with millions of Filipinos, has its full-support to Manny Pacquiao in his fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. Let his resiliency and determination in the ring be a source of inspiration as we all try to bounce back from this tragedy."