Military to hold free live screening of Pacquiao-Bradley fight

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be supporting Filipino boxing icon and congressman Manny Pacquiao, an army reservist with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, when he fights Timothy Bradley this Sunday.

“On or off-duty, our soldiers will be all-out for their support to Manny Pacquiao, a public servant and a leader,” AFP Chief of Staff General Jessie D Dellosa said in a statement Friday.

“The vigilance of our soldiers during the Pacquiao-Bradley fight will match the dedication and commitment Pacman consistently gives in his every boxing match,” he said.

Camp Aguinaldo will have free live viewing of Pacquiao’s WBO Welterweight Championship defense in several major camps and locations for the soldiers as well as the general public.

“As a sign of support, we have opened several venues for free viewing inside our camps. I will be watching, together with the soldiers of Camp Aguinaldo, the fight of Pacquiao, a man whose firm resolve, strong will, and determination continue to inspire our soldiers who continue to risk their lives in protecting our people and upholding our sovereignty,” Gen Dellosa said.

An expected 2,000 viewers will fill the AFP Grandstand that will cater to soldiers, their dependents, and other civilians who want to see the boxing bout, AFP said.

The PA Wellness Center, Clubhouse, and Hospital can also accommodate 3,000, 500, and 200 spectators respectively; PAF Gym 2,000, and V Luna Hospital Auditorium another 1,000 viewers for the coming bout, it said.

The Philippine Navy (PN) Headquarters will also open its Officers’ Club to its personnel, and their dependents. The Multipurpose Hall at the Naval Base in Cavite, with a capacity of 200, will also be opened to spectators. Furthermore, all six naval forces in La Union, Legaspi, Puerto Princesa City, Cebu, Zamboanga, and Davao will also provide a live viewing for 200-500 persons for each venue, it said.

Soldiers who are confined at the V. Luna Hospital, including battle-casualties will also have the chance to watch the boxing match on screen at the AFP Medical Center Auditorium. Also, those who are in the field can also watch the fight, like in the Southern Luzon Command Headquarters in Quezon where the Officers’ Clubhouse with 300 seating capacity is open for all soldiers and their dependents, AFP said.