Pacquiao hopes to find peace in Mindanao through sports

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao could very well be the solution the country is looking for to finally end the conflict in Mindanao. Malacañang has appointed the Filipino boxing icon as presidential envoy for peace and understanding hoping that sports would unite the government forces, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Among Pacquiao’s other duties as “peace ambassador" is to come up with a peace agreement among political warlords, the military and police in Mindanao to prevent bloodshed in next year’s elections. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said considering the current tension between government troops and the MILF, whose rogue elements are accused of perpetrating the 56 bombings all over Mindanao, a basketball match between the military and the MILF is a welcome event. The former representative of Batangas’ first district added that when he was still in the military, he organized sports events at the PNP headquarters in Dipolog City for the local residents and the MNLF. “That was my idea so that the people would not be afraid that the MNLF would attack in Dipolog City," he said. Ermita said Pacquiao's other responsibilities are to advocate: interfaith dialogues and development, charity work especially in areas of conflict; livelihood projects for rebel returnees; peace and harmony fora and other school activities; cultural events on peace, law and order and democracy; ecumenical prayers for peace and harmony; and civic events upholding human rights and opposing violence, including violence against women. Ermita added Pacquiao does not have to do everything in his list of 10 functions, considering his rigorous boxing training. “He could just pick out one or two. So kung ano ang magaan sa kanya na di makakaabala lalo sa kanyang training yan ang ipapagawa natin sa kanya." Pacquiao’s additional role in peace efforts in Mindanao would boost his chances in running for a local post in Sarangani province. “But even if he doesn't do all those things, he is already popular. If there is anyone who can run for public office, if he so decides, Manny Pacquiao is the one who doesn't need any campaign. That's why politicians want to be associated with him... Who cannot be aware of the existence of Pacquiao?" he said. – GMANews.TV