Philippine president says militants planned to kidnap Manny Pacquiao

The president of the Philippines said a terrorist group planned to kidnap boxing star Manny Pacquiao, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday.

Philippine president Benigno Aquino III said information was revealed that indicated Abu Sayyaf, a Filipino militant group, planned to kill Aquino, and then capture Pacquiao and hold him for ransom.

"They allegedly even hatched plots to kidnap Manny Pacquiao or one of his children, as well as my sister Kris or one of her children, with the plan to use them in bargaining for the release of their cohorts," Aquino said, according to reports.

Pacquiao is a member of Congress in the Philippines and is currently running for re-election. Aquino's six-year term ends in June.

Pacquiao has suggested that his April 9 victory over Timothy Bradley would be the final fight of his career.

He has not yet commented on the alleged kidnapping plot.