MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded what it described as “minimal crime incidence,” two robberies before and after a bout between Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito in Dallas, Texas yesterday.
PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the National Operation Center (NOC) said at around 11:37 a.m., or about 30 minutes before the start of the bout, suspected members of the Martilyo Gang robbed the Gold Dust Marketing jewelry shop at the corner of T. Alonzo and Ongpin streets in Manila. Policemen are tracking down the robbers.
A few minutes after the fight, another robbery was staged, this time along Rizal Avenue in Manila. A policeman was wounded in the ensuing shootout.
“The robbers thought the police would be lax during the bout so they struck, but they were wrong as our men… thwarted their efforts,” said National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome.
He has ordered the commanders of Metro Manila’s five police district to conduct foot and mobile patrols in the metropolis following Pacquiao’s victory to prevent revelers from turning violent.
“There would be a lot of drinking so we must patrol the streets to prevent any violent confrontations among groups,” he said.
PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo congratulated Pacquiao for defeating Margarito.
“Apparently, even criminal elements took time out to watch the people’s champ fight his opponent,” Bacalzo said.
“How we wish that we can enjoy minimal crime rate all year round however, with the support of the entire citizenry anything is possible. Your PNP is committed to make this happen with or without an event like this,” he added.