PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is now back in Davao City after 67 days of being stranded in Manila, Malacañang confirmed on Saturday, May 16.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in a radio interview on DZBB, said the President is back in the city to be with his family.
Also, with him is the President’s former assistant and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
Roque revealed that Presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio allowed her father to return following the shift to general community quarantine (GCQ).
Duterte stayed in Malacañang after he placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“Ito po ‘yung pinakamatagal na panahon na ginugol niya sa Metro Manila mula noong nag-aral siya bilang isang estudyante (This is the President’s longest stay in Metro Manila since he studied there back in college),” Roque said.
The official said the Presidential flight underwent strict protocol.
He said Duterte, who is still under continuous quarantine, is being closely monitored by the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
Roque added that physical distancing was strictly observed.
However, he said the President will not be staying long because he would attend a meeting in Malacañang. He did not elaborate when the President will be leaving.
Davao City was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for almost six weeks. Davao Region then imposed a travel ban and travelling within the region is prohibited. The President, himself, was also not allowed to come back.
Duterte-Carpio, as of the writing, has not yet issued any statement regarding her father’s arrival.