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Filipinos unite to cheer on boxing hero Pacquiao
AFP, MANILA
Monday, Mar 17, 2008, Page 20
Filipinos set aside political problems yesterday and celebrated boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao's sensational WBC super featherweight victory over Mexico's Juan Miguel Marquez.
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo called Pacquiao after his win to congratulate the fighter, who she said "brought immense glory to the flag of the Filipino people."
"He truly is one of our nation's heroes who can unite us even in times of divisiveness," Arroyo said in a statement, calling Pacquiao, who is nicknamed `Pacman,' as an "icon of the masses."
Separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels who are negotiating a peace settlement with the government also eased their patrols to watch the fight.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said guerrillas were also told to enjoy the fight, and rally round a fellow Filipino.
"There are no longer Muslims and Christians. Manny is a great Filipino today. Today, there is no war. We are busy celebrating," Kabalu said.
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