PRESIDENT Duterte headed to Jolo, Sulu on Sunday to pay his respects to the soldiers and policemen who died from the twin explosions in the area last week.
“I’m going to Jolo . . . .[to] the blast site to give importance to the soldiers and police who died. I’ll go there to fulfil the duty of a commander-in-chief,” Duterte said during the online program held by his supporters.
On Monday, at least 17 people died from the bombings, believed perpetrated by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group. Authorities are now tracking at least three suspects.
The incident prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to recommend the imposition of Martial Law in Jolo to prevent similar attacks.
Duterte has yet to announce his action on the said recommendation.
Meanwhile, Duterte thanked the organizers and participants of the Singing for the President program, whom he invited to a meal of maruya (banana fritter) and soft drinks in his home.
“Thank you very much to all of you. I will remember you for all time. I am indebted to all of you,” Duterte said in his brief message.
The organizers of the event said the program is atribute to Duterte, who looked tired from leading the government’s efforts against the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Duterte said he hopes the impact of the pandemic will end by December once a vaccine becomes available.
Among the participants in the program were popular folk singer Freddie Aguilar and Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo.