Duterte 'busy with Marawi,' skips rites
President Rodrigo Duterte, who was supposed to lead the nationwide celebration of the 119th Independence Day for the first time as chief executive, was a no-show at the Rizal Park in Manila.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella cited no reasons for the President's absence.
But Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, in an interview, said Duterte was not feeling well due to his jam-packed activities related to Marawi crisis.
"The President has been working 24/7 meeting with the troops, meeting the commanders, and then, late last night, visiting the wounded and killed (soldiers in Marawi)," Cayetano said.
"So that's why this morning, he didn't feel that well. There is nothing to worry about but it's better for him to rest because as you know, the target was to liberate Marawi today, June 12. The problem there is very complex and there have been so many developments but we hope to resolve it once and for all," he added.
Ironically, Duterte has apparently not been informed of all military operations in Marawi as he declared Sunday that he was not aware the U.S. government was providing assistance to Philippine troops in Marawi.
"I am not aware of that until they arrived. When I declared martial law I gave the power to the Defense department. Di ako nakikialam (I do not interfere)," Duterte said during his visit at Camp Evangelista, in Cagayan de Oro City.
He also said he never approached America or any organization of countries for help.
"I have not done that, I have not made an appeal. I didn't even know that the American government is providing technical (assistance)," Duterte said.
The President, however, said he is thankful for their help in trying to end the fighting in Marawi City, which is now on its third week.
The military earlier announced that it has targeted to liberate Marawi City yesterday on Independence Day. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the government has not declared Marawi free of the Maute fighters.
Cayetano recalled that as early as 5:30 a.m. yesterday, he received a call from Duterte's aides, saying that the President is "okay but tired and doesn't feel that well, so better to rest."
Cayetano said Duterte merely needs to get enough rest and stressed that there is "nothing to worry about."
Duterte also called off earlier the traditional Vin d'Honneur for the diplomatic corps at Malacañang to attend to matters concerning Mindanao, which has been placed under martial law.
On behalf of Duterte, Cayetano instead presided over the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites for the Philippine Independence Day celebration, which carried the theme "Kalayaan 2017: Pag-babagong Sama-Samang Balikatin."
It was June 12, 1898 when the Philippines' first president, General Emilio Aguinaldo, proclaimed the country's sovereignty in Kawit, Cavite.
Duterte, in a message on the celebration of 119th Indepence Day anniversary, hailed the people who fought for the country's freedom "so that we may live with the dignity and rights befitting a free nation."
"The journey to freedom was a long and arduous one -- which our countrymen paid for with blood, sweat and the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice," the President said.