‘Overworked’ Duterte in Davao City as strong quake hits parts of Luzon — Palace

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte was in his hometown in Davao City when a magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila on Monday.

READ: Magnitude 6.1 earthquake shakes parts of Luzon

“He was in his Davao residence when the earthquake struck,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a message to reporters.

Duterte was supposed to attend the Boao Forum of Asia Manila Conference in Taguig City but skipped the event because he was not feeling well.

“He is not feeling well due to his punishing schedule and successive campaign sorties,” Panelo said, adding that Duterte was “overworked.”

Buildings have collapsed in Pampanga, and at least five were initially reported dead after the strong quake. /ee

READ: 5 dead in Pampanga after earthquake

READ: PNP asks public to remain calm after magnitude 6.1 quake