Pacquiao helps victims of Sendong in C de Oro

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao personally handed out relief goods to the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in Cagayan de Oro yesterday afternoon.

Then he offered prayers to those who suffered and continue to suffer from last Saturday’s devastation that left more than a thousand dead.

Pacquiao also offered a prayer for Floyd Mayweather Jr. who was sentenced to 90 days in jail the other day for an assault and battery case in 2010.

“I am praying for Floyd,” said Pacquiao from Cagayan de Oro where he distributed relief goods along with cash, together with his wife Jinkee.

The Pacquiaos flew to Cagayan de Oro on a private plane owned by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson who also joined in the relief operation.

They stayed in Cagayan de Oro, which was hardest hit by the storm, just for a couple of hours before flying back to General Santos City, according to Pacquiao’s information officer, Rose Tamayo.

“I am praying for Floyd that he hurdles the challenges that he’s facing in his life right now. I wish I could share with him the words of God,” said Pacquiao.

The 33-year-old Filipino boxing icon is deep into his Bible studies the past couple of weeks, and according to those close to him, they’ve notice positive changes in Pacquiao.

The reigning WBO welterweight champion has vowed to stay away from extra-curricular activities outside of his duties as a congressman and his role as a boxer.

“He has made fresh vows and he’s keeping them,” said Tamayo.

Pacquiao said he hoped that Mayweather could learn what he’s learning right now through the Bible because he said, “I do believe the words of God can change a man.”

The Pacquiaos visited three evacuation centers in Cagayan de Oro and practically caught everyone by surprise.

“The evacuees were so happy to see Manny. Para silang nabuhayan ng loob. Some of them were almost in tears getting near Manny. They were so happy to see him,” said Tamayo.

The only problem was that there was not enough security to handle the crowd, more than a thousand in one of the evacuation centers, and the Pacquiaos were mobbed.

“There were policemen who helped but even the policemen seemed star-struck seeing Manny. You can see they were having pictures taken as they tried to shield Manny from the crowd,” added Tamayo.