Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has extended his condolences to the family of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe following his death after he was gunned down while making a speech on Friday morning, July 8.
Martin Andanar, then spokesperson of Duterte, said in a statement Friday evening that Duterte and wife Honeylet Avanceña “are deeply saddened with the untimely passing” of the 76-year-old longest-serving Japanese prime minister.
“Former President Duterte expresses his deep sympathy to the wife and family of the former Prime Minister,” he said.
Andanar said Duterte described the late official as “a good and loyal friend, a staunch supporter” to his administration, and “a strong ally of the nation.”
“As the world mourns the loss of this great man, we remember him for his compassionate service and remarkable leadership. Indeed, one of the most influential world leaders of our time,” Duterte said.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already issued a statement on Friday afternoon, thanking the official for boosting Japan-Philippine relations.
“We express our deepest condolences to the Japanese government and people on his tragic death. We send our most heartfelt sympathy to Mme Akie Abe and their family. We pray for their comfort in this most difficult time,” it stated.
“We thank him for his key role in the strengthening of Philippines-Japan relations and for establishing a very deep bond of friendship with our country. Mr. Abe will be very much missed and always remembered,” it added.
Abe visited the Philippines in January 2017 when he was welcomed by Duterte into his private residence in Davao City. Duterte also visited Japan in May 2019, where he also graced a banquet dinner hosted by Abe. – With reports from Mela Lesmoras-ag
