Negros Occidental was “crime-free” again yesterday as Negrenses glued to their television and radio sets watched and listened as Philippine boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao defeated Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Senior Supt. Manuel Felix, police provincial director, yesterday said Negros Occidental had a zero crime rate during the Pacquiao-Cotto fight.

Col. Maximo Caro, 303 rd Infantry Brigade commander, said he did not receive any report of insurgency-related incidents during the fight period in Negros island.

Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, chief of the Operations and Plans Division of the Police Regional Office, said Negros Occidental and Bacolod City were not only crime-free, but also the four provinces in Panay as well as Guimaras.

While Negrenses watched the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, Felix ordered police visibility in crime-prone areas, major thoroughfares, and vital installations, to prevent criminals and lawless groups from taking advantage of the situation.

Boxing fans who watched the live telecast of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight at the Wilkinson Social Court in E.B. Magalona, said it is the “Pacman” who can move and unite the Ilonggos as one.

Pacquiao, who is an Army reservist, was recently promoted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

By making history in boxing, AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado said Pacquiao really makes the entire Filipino nation proud.*GPB

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In Bacolod City , the main thoroughfares were freed from traffic congestion during the fight, Senior Insp. Levy Pangue, head of the Bacolod City Police Traffic Management Unit, said.

About 50 percent of the public utility vehicles did not operate during the fight as their drivers watched the fight, City Police officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Celestino Guara said.*APN

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