Manny Pacquiao stunned by Abu Sayyaf plot to kidnap him, says he's not afraid because God is with him

Manny Pacquiao says, 'I live my life like every day is the last so I have no fear. God is with me.' Reuters

Filipino boxing icon and Christian pastor Manny Pacquiao was shocked when Philippine President Benigno Aquino III announced on Wednesday that Abu Sayyaf militants were planning to kidnap him and his children.

Pacquiao, who is running for senator in the Philippine general election on May 9 this year, said he was not aware of any such plot, pointing out that he is in good terms with his "Muslim brothers."

"I was alarmed when he announced... that the Abu Sayyaf wanted to kidnap me. I'm surprised because all Filipinos are my friends. I love them, especially the Muslims," Pacquiao told InterAksyon.

"I don't believe our Muslim brothers (would) do that," he said. "We support them, we give them livelihood, so I don't know where that came from."

Pacquiao said he is not scared for his own safety and would continue to join campaign rallies. "I live my life like every day is the last so I have no fear. God is with me," he said. But just to be sure, Pacquiao said he has boosted his own personal security detail and that of his family.

Aquino earlier announced that government authorities had uncovered plots by the radical Islamist Abu Sayyaf Group to kidnap Pacquiao and his children. Aquino also revealed that the heavily armed kidnap for ransom gang also targeted his sister, Kris, who is a local showbiz celebrity, and her children. On Friday, Kris confirmed that she had been warned of such a threat in February, which prompted her to leave her television show.

Pacquiao put Aquino to task for revealing the Abu Sayyaf's kidnap plot, saying that he should have kept the information to himself. "If it came from an intelligence report, it should have been kept secret and need not be announced," Pacquiao said. "And why just now? We have to study this."

On Monday, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded 68-year-old Canadian national John Ridsdel after the government failed to pay their $8-million ransom demand. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it an "act of cold-blooded murder" and vowed to seek justice for the murdered Canadian national.

related articles
Philippines Catholic Church defends Manny Pacquiao over anti-gay comments
Philippines Catholic Church defends Manny Pacquiao over anti-gay comments

Philippines Catholic Church defends Manny Pacquiao over anti-gay comments

Manny Pacquiao receives new blow for his anti-gay comments: Popular LA mall imposes entry ban
Manny Pacquiao receives new blow for his anti-gay comments: Popular LA mall imposes entry ban

Manny Pacquiao receives new blow for his anti-gay comments: Popular LA mall imposes entry ban

Manny Pacquiao unhurt as man shouting expletives attacks him outside California restaurant
Manny Pacquiao unhurt as man shouting expletives attacks him outside California restaurant

Manny Pacquiao unhurt as man shouting expletives attacks him outside California restaurant

Manny Pacquiao bids goodbye to boxing, invites Timothy Bradley Jr. to Bible study
Manny Pacquiao bids goodbye to boxing, invites Timothy Bradley Jr. to Bible study

Manny Pacquiao bids goodbye to boxing, invites Timothy Bradley Jr. to Bible study

Philippines\' Aquino vows to crush Abu Sayyaf, bares foiled plot to bomb Manila, kidnap Manny Pacquiao, sister Kris
Philippines' Aquino vows to crush Abu Sayyaf, bares foiled plot to bomb Manila, kidnap Manny Pacquiao, sister Kris

Philippines' Aquino vows to crush Abu Sayyaf, bares foiled plot to bomb Manila, kidnap Manny Pacquiao, sister Kris

News
Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme
Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme

The document outlines the governing priorities of Northern Ireland’s government.

Pope looks to Christ during 'period of trial'
Pope looks to Christ during 'period of trial'

In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Francis gave praise to God as the one who never abandons us, even in times of severe trial.

Ukraine imprisons Christian conscientious objector
Ukraine imprisons Christian conscientious objector

Serhy Semchuk was sentenced to five years and has had all appeals rejected

Homeless man charged with terrorism after 'fake' attack threat against Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church
Homeless man charged with terrorism after 'fake' attack threat against Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church

A homeless man alleged to have threatened a deadly gas attack on Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, on Christmas Eve has been indicted on a federal terrorism charge.