MANILA - If Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao had any fears about spreading the influenza A (H1N1) flu virus here, he never showed it.

The world's pound-for-pound king shook hands, posed for pictures, signed autographs and serenaded his fans as he tried to be as up close as possible to thousands of supporters who flocked Manila's streets to catch a glimpse of the conquering hero. From the airport, to the Quiapo church and all the way to his hotel, legions of Pacman fans flocked to their idol while ignoring the health department's warnings of catching the swine flu bug from members of Team Pacquiao.

The World Health Organization earlier urged Pacquiao to either postpone his return to the Philippines for five days or quarantine himself and his entire entourage and postpone their victory parade if they choose to return on Friday. Problem is, none of the options suggested by the WHO were taken up by the Pacman.

Some of the guidelines issued by the WHO that were ignored by the People's Champ and his team include no handshakes, hugging or kissing and keeping well-wishers at a distance of at least one meter.

Pacquiao said he decided to return to the country for fear that waiting longer in Los Angeles would make him more susceptible to catching the swine flu virus.  "When I heard that there was swine flu in LA, I immediately went home," he said.

Upon his arrival, Pacquiao's entire group cleared the airport's thermal-imaging scanners with no signs of fevers, but the health department said this did not necessarily mean they were free from the virus since its incubation period is between five and seven days.

"We can't stop them but it could be dangerous. We could have a hard time tracing the possible carrier if someone gets swine flu here," said Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde.

He added people who come in close contact with Pacquiao and his entourage should observe themselves for any flu symptoms in the next five to 10 days and practice personal hygiene.

 He said the government is awaiting laboratory results on four people who showed possible symptoms of the flu. Thirteen others had been given the all-clear, he added.

The Philippines has so far remained free of the virus that has killed more than 40 people and infected more than 2,300 others.

Pacquiao said he and his entourage have no reason to worry about H1N1 since they are free from symptoms.

“Hindi naman kami dapat mag mask kasi wala naman kaming swine flu. Dapat sa mga linalagnat o inuubo lang yun (We don't need to wear masks because that's only for people who have swine flu. That's only for those who have fever or cough),” he said.

Pacquiao won Hatton's International Boxing Organization light-welterweight title in spectacular fashion at the weekend, knocking his opponent out inside two rounds.