Pacquiao to visit areas hit by typhoon ‘Frank’

MANILA, Philippines - After cheering them up for a day with his win over David Diaz Sunday, boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao said Monday he plans to visit victims of typhoon "Frank" once he returns. Pacquiao, who is still in the United States fresh from his conquest of the WBC lightweight title, said he will visit the victims after a brief reunion with his family in General Santos City. "Pupunta ako sa amin, tapos bibisita ako sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo (I'll go home first, then I will visit those affected by the typhoon)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio early Monday. He did not specify the areas he will go to, though the hardest-hit areas are in Panay Island in Western Visayas, including Iloilo, Antique and Negros. Pacquiao earlier said he expects to return to the country July 4, Friday. On Monday, he said he will return to General Santos City Saturday or Sunday. Meanwhile, dzBB radio's affiliates in Cebu and Iloilo reported that victims of "Frank" and the "Princess of the Stars" tragedies forgot their woes for a day as they cheered Pacquiao on in his bout against David Diaz. The victims of "Frank" watched footage of the bout via television sets set up in public places. - GMANews.TV