MANILA — Malacañang said Thursday President Rodrigo Duterte was absent during the commemoration of the 154th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio in Caloocan City due to a “commitment in Mindanao”.
In a short message sent to reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President would be visiting an undisclosed conflict-ridden area in the south.
“Commitment in Minda (Mindanao). Can’t disclose sked (schedule) but he’s going to a conflict-ridden area,” the message read.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana instead led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Bonifacio National Shrine as Duterte’s representative.
Also present were Vice President Leni Robredo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, local government leaders led by Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, and representatives of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, among others. (PNA)
