MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday morning visited the wake of “healing priest” Fr. Fernando Suarez at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
Fr. Suarez, 52, died on Tuesday after collapsing during a tennis competition at the Ayala Alabang Clubhouse.
Duterte extended his condolences to the bereaved family of Fr. Suarez, saying that he believes in the priest’s healing ministry.
“He noted that he personally witnessed Fr. Suarez’s healing prowess once in Davao City,” a Malacañang press release said.
Fr. Suarez, who hailed from Taal, Batangas, was 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 this Friday and will be interred on Feb. 15.