Soldiers in Sulu get early Christmas cheer from Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte may have snubbed the annual ceremonial rites of national hero Andres Bonifacio on Thursday but made sure on Friday to greet what he calls modern day heroes in Sulu.

Duterte visited soldiers at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu to greet them “a very Merry Christmas.”

“So pumunta ako dito to greet you, well in advance, a very Merry Christmas. And to my Muslim brothers and sisters, celebrate with us the holidays. We would be glad to have you join us and we will be proud with your presence,” Duterte said.

“It’s all for humankind that time, kung maaari lang. Wala naman tayong talagang (if ever. We really do not have) hatred for each other to the point that we cannot talk together. We can celebrate Christmas together,” he added.

Duterte, stressing that he “loves” soldiers, promised to bankroll their Christmas party.

He also brought Hollywood actor, Steven Seagal, along to boost the soldiers’ morale.

Duterte on Thursday skipped the annual Bonifacio Day ceremonial rites in Caloocan City to go to an undisclosed location Mindanao. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President visited a “conflict-ridden” area for a prior commitment.