President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday morning paid his last respects to the “healing priest” Fr. Fernando Suarez whose remains lie at Heritage Park in Taguig City.
Fr. Suarez, 52, died on Tuesday during a tennis competition in Ayala Alabang Clubhouse after collapsing due to a heart attack.
President Duterte extended his condolences to the bereaved family of Fr. Suarez saying he believes in the priest’s healing ministry. He noted that he personally witnessed Fr. Suarez’s healing prowess once in Davao City.
The President also said that he, together with Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, and Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo Jr., consider Fr. Suarez a friend.
Fr. Suarez, who hailed from Taal, Batangas, is known for spearheading faith healing in the country and for founding the Missionaries of Mary Mother of the Poor Congregation (MMMP) that has branches in Batangas, Cebu, and Davao del Norte.
The remains of the late priest will be brought to his hometown in Batangas later today and will be interred on February 15.
