Peace was temporarily declared between military officials and insurgents during the boxing match involving a Filipino superfeatherweight boxing champion.

Manny Pacquiao squared off with Mexican boxer Marco Antonio Barrera in a World Boxing Council International extravaganza.

And the Armed Forces of the Philippines observed an "undeclared" nationwide ceasefire with all rebel groups.

Authorities expect criminals to stay glued to the TV. That was the case last year when Pacquiao defeated Mexican boxing great Eric Morales.

For the duration of that bout, police noted zero crime rate. The military recorded an almost zero insurgency-related incident in rural areas and a zero crime rate in urban centers.

"We also expect that to happen today," said a military official.

Pacquiao, 28, (44 wins-3 draws-2 loss and 35 knockouts) remained the favorite.