GenSan generals ready hero welcome for Pacquiao

KORONADAL CITY – The “generals” of General Santos City will greet with honor newly crowned world boxing lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao as soon as he comes home after his scheduled return to Manila this Friday.

Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. yesterday said preparations are underway for a “grand hero’s welcome” for Pacquiao from the “generals,” the term residents of General Santos City use for themselves.

The mayor said they have yet to confirm when Pacquiao will head back to General Santos City from Manila.

“For now, we don’t want to disturb him since he is still busy with interviews after his win.”

“All the ‘generals’ are happy with the victory of Pacquiao… everybody is excited to see him again,” Acharon said.

Pacquiao is enlisted in the Reserve Army of the Armed Forces and has been promoted thrice after consecutive boxing victories. His recent promotion was as Reserve Army Master Sergeant, the highest rank for an enlisted man in the military.

As to security for Pacquiao, Central Mindanao police director Chief Supt. Felizardo Serapio said he has instructed General Santos City police director Senior Supt. Robert Po to ensure enough personnel would maintain order and supervise vehicular traffic, which is expected to be jammed from the airport to the city proper during the motorcade.   – Ramil Bajo