PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday dawn visited the grave of his parents at the Roman Catholic Public Cemetery in his hometown Davao City.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the President paid respects to his parents, Vicente and Soledad, shortly after his meeting with several government officials for the country’s preparations in the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations in November 11 to 14.
Dutere's father, Vicente, was the last governor of the undivided Davao and his mother Soledad was a teacher involved in socio-civic projects of her husband.
“The President visited [his parent’s tomb] after our meeting [from which we had a] briefing on what will happen in the Asean that will be held in the country,” Andanar said in an interview with government-run dzRB. Duterte just returned from an official two-day visit in Japan.
He did not grant interview to members of the media, however, he talked to the people using megaphone inside his vehicle.
A strict security measure was implemented by local authorities in coordination with the Presidential Security Group to ensure the safety of the President.
Photos released by Malacañang showed that Duterte was accompanied by his youngest son, Sebastian Duterte.
The President was seen bowing to his parents’ grave and holding the marble casing as he took solemn time to honor their memories.
Duterte usually visits his parent’s final resting place on All Saints’ Day and in other occasions.
Last year, Duterte wept at his mother’s grave hours after partial vote count showed his insurmountable lead in the May 9, 2016 presidential elections. (SunStar Philippines)