Cotabato wakes up early for Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao. AP FILE PHOTO

MLANG, North Cotabato — As early as 7 a.m. Sunday, the town’s gym, where a viewing of the fight is scheduled, was already filled with boxing enthusiasts.

Municipal administrator Ferdinand Piñol said the town gym could accommodate at 1,500 people, but to make sure that everyone would be able to watch the fight the local government put up two wide screens outside the gym for those who could not get in.

Piñol said indigenous peoples and Muslim spectators from five Muslim communities in the town were the first to arrive at the venue.

In Kidapawan City, at least 200 policemen were deployed at the city plaza and city gym to ensure the security of spectators who will troop to the venues for free viewing today.

To ensure easy access for residents, the local government closed to motorists the main road leading to the two venues.

Supt. Franklin Anito, the city police chief, said these roads would be closed until the fight ends.