Pacquiao killed in rumors

By Ronron
May 6, 2007

Filipino boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao was killed in rumors that circulated around midnight of Saturday.

According to text messages the started in Mindanao, the 28-year-old boxer and aspiring politician died in an ambush.

The rumors reached Manila dawn of Sunday that even jeepney drivers in Quezon City were asking their passengers if the report is true.

But Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, and wife, Jinky, belied the report when reached by Manila Shimbun by phone yesterday morning.

Dionisia said she received queries whether or not the report is true as early as late Saturday evening.

In an interview aired on television yesterday, Pacquiao just dismissed the rumor, saying, “when it’s your time (to die), then that’s it.”

Asked who could be behind the rumor, he replied: “I’m not really accusing anyone but who could have a reason to threaten my life now? Ever since, nobody threatened me until I joined politics. Who is my rival now in politics?”

Pacquiao is challenging South Cotabato Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio for the Congressional seat of the province this May 14 polls. He is running under the administration ticket, while Custodio belongs to the opposition.

Custodio claimed she has nothing to do with the recent rumor.

A few months back, Pacquiao sought for additional police security escort after he received reports that he or any member of his family will be abducted. Just recently, his camp also bared reports that a gunman was hired to kill him.

Pacquiao’s most recent victorious fight was against Jorge Solis last April, held in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

He is currently the World Boxing Council International Super Featherweight Champion./DMS