Duterte skips Bonifacio Day rites

Vice President Leni Robredo (6th from left) and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (5th from right) lead the ceremony commemorating the 154th birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the monument erected in his honor in Caloocan City. With them are Local government leaders and representatives from the National Historical Commission. (INQUIRER.net /Jhoanna Ballaran)

President Rodrigo Duterte was absent during the commemoration of the 154th birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio on Thursday in Caloocan City.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana instead led the ceremonial rites at the Bonifacio National Shrine, together with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Rey Leonardo Guerrero and Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan.

But in a message to the press, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte visited a conflict-ridden area in Mindanao for a commitment that could not be disclosed to the public.

“Can’t disclose [his schedule] but he’s going to a conflict-ridden area,” Roque said.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines chair Rene Escalante and Bonifacio’s descendant, Atty. Gregorio Bonifacio, also graced the event.

Lorenzana and Malapitan offered flowers at the Shrine, a historical 45-feet monument designed by national artist Guillermo Tolentino.          /kga

Vice President Leni Robredo and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana lead the ceremony commemorating the 154th birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the monument erected in his honor in Caloocan City. With them are Local government leaders and representatives from the National Historical Commission. (INQUIRER.net /Jhoanna Ballaran)