Manny Pacquiao Comments on Being Kidnapping Target of Terrorist Organization

Following the revelation that Manny Pacquiao was the alleged kidnapping target of a terrorist organization, the retired boxer commented on the situation Thursday.

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com's Dan Rafael), Philippines president Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday that the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group had plans to kidnap Pac-Man or one of his children.

Per Agence France-Presse (h/t ABS-CBN.com), Pacquiao was taken aback by the alleged plot: "I was alarmed when he announced...the Abu Sayyaf wanted to kidnap me. I'm surprised because all Filipinos are my friends. I love them, especially the Muslims."

Pacquiao also said he took extra steps to ensure he and his family are protected as a precaution: "We asked for security, protection for my kids, my family to make sure they are safe, especially as I'm not there right now."

The former eight-division world champion expressed some concern and confusion as well regarding the fact Aquino went public with the alleged plot: "If it came from an intelligence report, it should have been kept secret and need not be announced. And why just now? We have to study this."

Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing following a unanimous-decision victory over Timothy Bradley on April 9.

The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer is currently a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, and he is running for a senate seat, which will be determined May 9.

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