Philippines' Pacquiao shocked at Islamic militant kidnap claim

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is mobbed by supporters during a visit to Calamba, Laguna province, on April 28, 2016

Manila (AFP) - Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao expressed shock Thursday at President Benigno Aquino's claim that Islamic militants planned to kidnap him, and said the alleged plot should not have been made public.

Aquino released a statement Wednesday saying Abu Sayyaf, a notorious kidnap-for-ransom gang that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and beheaded a Canadian hostage this week, had planned to abduct Pacquiao or his children.