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Pacquiao presses senatorial campaign despite kidnap threat

(Associated Press)

San Pablo, Philippines

Thu, April 28, 2016 Published on Apr. 28, 2016 Published on 2016-04-28T20:54:32+07:00

Filipino boxer and Congressman Manny Pacquiao (right) passes his WBO championship belt to his eldest son, Jimwell, as his family stands beside him upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines, April 14. (AP/Aaron Favila)

B

oxing star Manny Pacquiao has pressed on with his campaign for a seat in the Philippine Senate, barnstorming in a province south of Manila despite a reported militant plot to kidnap him.

Pacquiao said Thursday he doubted the threat but would not ignore it, although he had few visible security escorts as he campaigned in Laguna province, shaking hands and allowing mobs of villagers to take selfies with him.

President Benigno Aquino III had revealed Wednesday that Abu Sayyaf militants may have plotted against his life and considered kidnapping Pacquiao and the president's sister, who is a popular actress.

Voter preference surveys ahead of May 9 elections have shown Pacquiao, currently a congressman, has a strong chance of landing a Senate seat.