SAN PABLO, Philippines (AP) Boxing 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.
