Duterte downplays IS ‘assassination plot’

President Rodrigo Duterte—JOAN BONDOC

DAVAO CITY – President Duterte on Saturday downplayed the reported threat of the Islamic State to assassinate him.

The Print of India had reported that the IS had planned to assassinate the President during his visit to India.

The Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group also made a similar threat against Duterte at the height of the Marawi crisis.

Speaking to reporters here, the President said he should not be discouraged by threats and should continue with what he was doing – including the campaign against terrorism and religious extremism.

“When my time comes, it will come. I will stick to what destiny has given me. If it’s my time, it’s my time.  So I should not be discouraged by threats,” he said.