Duterte visits mother’s grave on her 6th death anniversary

President Rodrigo Duterte sits by the grave of her mother, Soledad, at the Davao City Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. (Photo courtesy of CHRISTOPHER GO)

DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday went to the Roman Catholic Cemetery here to commemorate his mother’s sixth death anniversary.

Duterte offered prayers as he lighted candles in front of grave of Soledad Duterte at around 7 p.m.

Soledad, or Nanay Soling as her supporters called her, died at the age of 95 on Feb. 4, 2012, due to lingering illness at the Davao Doctors Hospital here.

The President was known to be close to Nanay Soling, despite their many differences that would sometimes lead to punishments for the young Duterte.

He has always spoken highly of his mother and frequently mentioned her in his speeches, even when he was already President.

Nanay Soling led the Yellow Friday Movement in Mindanao in the mid-1980s against then President Ferdinand Marcos.

She was also known here for her foundation, which conducted livelihood and skills training among the Bagobos in Toril District.

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