President Duterte was targeted for assassination during his trip to Zamboanga Sibugay, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said yesterday.

Mr. Duterte actually mentioned the attempt on his life but only in passing during his speech before residents of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay during the celebration of the town’s 69th founding anniversary.

“I said if somebody would shoot then let him shoot,” Duterte said in his Visayan speech but he did not give details.

Mr. Duterte’s revelation did not receive much attention, however, since it was made when he was talking about a plan to arm local officials amid the string of killings early this month.

Those killed in the first week of the month were Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas, who was killed by a sniper’s bullet; Nueva Ecija’s General Tinio town mayor Ferdinand Bote and Trece Martires Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan.

“If there is a repeat of violence in this area I will arm you,” Duterte said while recalling the attack on Ipil by Abu Sayyaf and other armed groups in April 1995.

Go said the President himself told him about the plot to kill him while they were on their way to Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Despite the threat, Go said the President insisted on proceeding to the province where the government provided assistance to 400 families who lost their homes in a fire in Barangay Labuan last 22 July.

“You know our President; he’s not afraid to die,” Go said, in a radio interview.

“While we were in the helicopter, he told me: ‘Let them try’…he said he is ready. You know when the President took on his job he is ready to die,” Go added.

It was not clear, however, who or what group was behind the reported assassination plot.

In July last year, suspected New People’s Army rebels ambushed a convoy of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) along the boundary of Davao City and Arakan, Cotabato.

Five PSG members were wounded during the ambush while a militiaman was killed by the communist rebels while withdrawing from the scene.

Go said it was not the first time the President received a death threat. He added both he and the President regularly receive information about threats practically wherever they go.

He said he and the President are unfazed by such threats and will continue to serve the people.

As proof the President did not mind the supposed threat, Go said he and Mr. Duterte proceeded to Jolo, Sulu yesterday to deliver government assistance to 30,000 individuals rendered homeless by a massive fire.

“The President always says ‘if it’s my time to go, it’s my time.’ So, we are not afraid to do our job,” Go said.

Meanwhile, Go thanked his supporters for heeding his appeal to use funds intended for posters or banners urging him to run for the Senate to instead help victims of calamities such as fire, flood and typhoon.

“I thank all my supporters. And I hope you will continue giving assistance to the victims,” Go said.

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