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MANILA, Philippines – Now that Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny" Pacquiao was named “ambassador of peace and unity”, the Philippine government would not let him negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf for the release of International Red Cross worker.
Abu Sayyaf is linked to international terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah who held captive IRC workers in Sulu, 1,000 kilometers south of Manila, more than two months ago.
In gmanews.tv website, the Philippine government made it clear that Pacquiao’s role as ambassador of peace and unity is to attend efforts that promote peace and harmony.
Pacquiao, a Master Sergeant in military before becoming a pound for pound king will not take the frontline of peace negotiation with rebel extremists.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde noted Pacquiao’s knack for uniting Filipinos whenever he fights abroad “that even rebels suspend their activities when he fights.”
“Manny has become a symbol of our unity. Anytime he fights, all Filipinos from all walks of life, all political stripes, and all ideologies unite. That unity is what we need now,” Remonde said.