GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Town mates here and in nearby Sarangani of boxing champion and Rep. Emmanuel “Pacman” D. Pacquiao were jubilant on his victory over Mexican Antonio Margarito for the World Boxing Council super welterweight crown Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Similar to previous fights, the city government had sponsored free live showing of the battle at the Lagao gymnasium.
Streets were nearly deserted except for a few vehicles as the city — and perhaps the whole nation — stood still to watch the champion pick up his eight unprecedented title.
Many public utility vehicle driver did not mind losses in income as they huddled in stores and commercial establishments showing the fight.
Rosalio Pacquiao viewed the bout from his home in Barangay San Isidro, confident that his son would overpower the Mexican opponent.
Mr. Pacquiao is also congressmen of Sarangani province, a position he handily won in the May 10 elections after suffering a humiliating loss in his first political foray in 2007 against Darlene Antonino-Costudio, now mayor of this city.
No zero crime rate
Meanwhile, the zero crime rate projected here on fight day did not happen with a shooting incident near a police station.
Police said a motorcycle-riding suspect shot dead Salde Cabildo, 45, a resident of Purok Matatag in Barangay San Isidro, at around 9 a.m.
Authorities are still investigating the motive of the crime. — Romer S. Sarmiento
