Military official: Pacman win ‘a source of comfort’ for battle-hardened soldiers

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 11): Military official: Pacman win ‘a source of comfort’ for battle-hardened soldiers

Amid its setback in Basilan on Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday branded as “a source of comfort” the victory of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao who dominated American Timothy Bradley en route to a unanimous decision win.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said that Pacuiao’s victory came as a comfort to “battle-hardened” soldiers following the killing of 18 government troops and wounding of 53 others during a clash with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan.

An Army reservist with the rank of lieutenant colonel, Pacquiao floored Bradley twice during the 12-round bout and scored 116-110 in all of the three judges.

“We were in Mindanao when Lt. Col. Manny Pacquiao’s victory was passed on to us. It was a most welcomed news, a consolation and a source of comfort for many of our battle-hardened warriors,” said Padilla.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri and other senior military officers were in Zamboanga yesterday to monitor the ongoing military operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan.

“Just like Manny, our warriors’ determination and tenacity in seeking the enemy and prevailing over the forces of evil are clearly manifest in their undeterred operations against the enemies of the state,” said Padilla.

For his part, Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano, who was also in Zamboanga, expressed elation over Pacquiao’s victory.

Ano said that since Pacquiao is seeking a Senate seat, the Army would have to wait until after the elections to recognize him for his dominant performance against Bradley.

“He is a political candidate and we are ban from doing it. Perhaps we can recognize his feat and success after the election period,” Ano said.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao echoed Padilla’s pronouncement expressing hope that Pacquiao’s win would somewhat bring comfort to the soldiers.

“The Philippine Army expresses its happiness on the win of Army Reserve Lt. Col. Manny Pacquiao,” said Hao.

“We are proud of him. We hope that this will at least compensates the loss of our troops in the Basilan operation that happened during the Araw ng Kagitingan,” he added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-official-pacman-win-a-source-of-comfort-for-battle-hardened-soldiers