Duterte meets heroic surfer Roger Casogay, PH Surfing team

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte chats with Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Roger Casogay during a meeting with the Philippine Surfing Team at the Malacañan Palace on December 10, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte met with Filipino surfer Roger Casogay and the members of the Philippine Surfing team in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Casogay, the men’s longboard gold medalist, heaped praises after he helped Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidayat back to shore after the latter broke his ankle leash and was swept by giant waves in San Juan, La Union on Friday.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo was among those who lauded Casogay for helping the Indonesian surfer.

Casogay will carry the national flag during the closing rites of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the New Clark City in Tarlac on December 11.

Under Republic Act 10699, Filipino athletes who won medals in the SEA Games would receive cash incentives —P300,000 (gold), P150,000 (silver) and P60,000 (bronze) medalists.

Edited by MUF