Crime incidents are usually “close to zero” during a live telecast of a Manny Pacquiao fight, and this Sunday was no exception.

As predicted, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. was right in saying that he expected another quiet day during the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez match. However, he reiterated that the police remained on alert despite the excitement of the boxing match.

Metropolitan Manila was peaceful on Sunday as traffic remained light, and most were either tuned in on the radio or keeping watch indoors. Many were gathered in hotels, gyms or community and commercial areas to watch the third match between Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and his old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA.

Most appliance stores broadcast the fight on television monitors in their display windows.

In the past, police have been criticized for letting their guard down because law enforcers are also thought to be just as excited and focused on the boxing match as the rest of the public, but this has been denied by PNP officials. Though they are allowed to watch the match, the officers’ primary concern is still the security of the people who gather together at public airings of the live telecast of the fight.

Certainly, Manny Pacquiao deserves recognition for this contribution to the peace and order situation in the country. The PNP should continue to be on sharp alert during such occasions. A criminal or a terrorist determined to wreak havoc on the public will recognize an opportunity to target public gatherings in hotels, gyms or courts where large numbers of people are intensely focused on the subject of their entertainment, and not on their personal security.