MANILA, Philippines– Off-duty military personnel and their dependents can watch the match between boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on Sunday at Camp Aguinaldo and other major service camps.
Pacquiao is an Army reservist with a rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was first enlisted as Sergeant on April 2006, Technical Sergeant on December 2006, Master Sergeant in 2007, Senior Master Sergeant in 2009, and Lieutenant Colonel in 2011.
The traditional free live viewing of Pacquiao matches at Camp Aguinaldo started in 2008.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said the viewing of the bout will be held at the AFP Gymnasium and at the AFP Medical Center or V. Luna.
In Fort Bonifacio, the viewings will be held at the Philippine Army’s Wellness Center, the Army Clubhouse, and the Army General Hospital Multi-purpose Hall.
Soldiers assigned at the Philippine Navy (PN) Headquarters in Bonifacio Naval Base will get to watch the fight at the PN Officers’ Clubhouse, while soldiers in Sangley Point, Cavite can watch the fight in the Philippine Fleet Gymnasium. The Philippine Air Force will also open their Headquarters Gymnasium to viewers.
However, rescuers involved in search and rescue operations and humanitarian operations in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, and other provinces in Mindanao and Visayas affected by Typhoon Pablo; along with on-duty personnel conducting security patrols and manning their posts; will have to wait for replays of the fight during their free time and off-duty.
“As a military reservist with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, his fight will surely bring new fire and spirit to our brave and selfless soldiers conducting search, rescue and relief missions to our brothers and sisters affected by Typhoon Pablo,” AFP Chief of Staff General Jessie D Dellosa said.
“Let his resiliency and determination in the ring be a source of inspiration as we all try to bounce back from this tragedy,” headded.