LOOK: Independence Day activities start amid rains

The activities for the 120th Philippine Independence Day has kicked off even as rains continued to pour in various locations.

President Rodrigo Duterte arrived late for the ceremony in Kawit, Cavite the site where the Philippine flag was first raised. He apologized during his speech, saying that his chopper found it difficult to leave and land because of the rain.

WATCH: #PresidentDuterte leads the raising of the Philippine flag here at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite for the 120th Philippine Independence Day. @inquirerdotnet #ArawNgKalayaan pic.twitter.com/lzWTHS1l3N

— Nestor A. Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) June 12, 2018

The President’s speech was also interrupted by protesters from the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Southern Luzon.

BREAKING: Protesters shouting "Duterte patalsikin" as he is about to start his speech here at the Aguinaldo Shrine. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/lsAK7vrGgG

— Nestor A. Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) June 12, 2018

LOOK: Protesters disrupt #PresidentDuterte's Independence Day speech here in Kawit, Cavite. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/tBrdnFHBEi

— Nestor A. Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) June 12, 2018

Several key government officials such as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, and Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde, religious leaders, local and provincial officials, and relatives of former President Emilio Aguinaldo were also in Kawit for the ceremony.

Members of the Church and the diplomatic corps, including Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua whom President Duterte and Lorenzana talked with, were also present.

LOOK: Defense Secretary @del_lorenzana talks to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua here at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite after PH fishermen said that members of the Chinese Coast Guard have been taking their catch at Scarborough shoal. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/v6ZHGBrw4J

— Nestor A. Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) June 12, 2018

WATCH: Defense Secretary @del_lorenzana talks to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua here at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/nSSyJDsrFm

— Nestor A. Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) June 12, 2018

WATCH: #PresidentDuterte talks to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua upon arrival here at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/HxyQSsKqc5

— Nestor A. Corrales (@NCorralesINQ) June 12, 2018

In Rizal Park, Vice President Leni Robredo and Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra led the flag raising ceremony. Robredo also offered flowers at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.

https://twitter.com/dzIQ990/status/1006331609551810560

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim spearheaded the activities at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City, while Senator Richard Gordon was at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.  /muf

https://twitter.com/dzIQ990/status/1006331053470937088

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