The Metro Manila police reported no major crimes Sunday as residents ? even criminals ? stayed glued to radios or television sets for the duration of the bout between boxers Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz.
?We have not recorded any criminal incident in the duration of the fight which was won by our very own Pacquiao,? National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias said in an interview.
Barias, who was in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, said his five district directors reported that they did not monitor a single major criminal incident in their respective jurisdictions.
In a text message, Metro Manila police spokesman Superintendent Rhodel Sermonia said the period covered by the zero crime rate is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
He also said there was a 30 percent reduction in the number of vehicles on the streets compared to regular Sundays.
When pressed for the reason behind several hours? peace in Metro Manila yesterday, Barias said ?the people, even criminals, stayed in their respective homes to watch the fight.? Pacquiao won by knockout in the ninth round.
Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said his 11 station commanders reported no criminal incidents since the undercard bouts of the Pacquiao-Diaz fight.
?The residents of Manila, irregardless of political affiliation unite during Pacquiao?s fight so he should fight often so the streets would be peaceful,? he said.
Upon Barias? orders, Rosales and Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo de la Cruz said they fielded mobile and foot patrol teams immediately after the bout to prevent violent incidents as Pacquiao fans celebrated his victory by ?a lot of drinking in the streets.?
