President Rodrigo Duterte failed to attend his first-ever Independence Day celebration as President on Monday, and Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella could hardly explain it away, but Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo filled in the role of presiding over the traditional flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who was likewise on hand at the occasion, said something about the President needing some rest after days of attending to the armed conflict in Marawi City: “I talked to his people and inquired. He’s okay, but tired, and doesn’t feel that well … so better to rest.”
Malacañang had earlier announced only that the Independence Day Vin D’honneur would be canceled due to the ongoing standoff in Marawi, but did not mention the absence of President Duterte at Rizal Park.
Below are some of the photographs taken during the day at various points marking Independence Day.
Flag raising ceremony. Photographed by Lester Lopez, News5 | InterAksyon.Vice President Leni Robredo with DFA Sec. Allan Peter Cayetano, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Mayor Joseph Estrada lead the flag raising ceremony during the 119th celebration of Philippine Independence Day at Luneta Park in Manila on Monday, June 12, 2017. Photographed by KJ ROSALES, News5 | InterAksyon.Freemasons delegation poses for a souvenir picture. /Bernard Testa, News5 | InterAksyonFree medical service offered to those at the Rizal Park celebration. /Bernard Testa, News5 | InterAksyonA person with disability flashes mementos featuring National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa. /Bernard Testa, News5 | InterAksyonCosplayer shows up garbed as Captain America. /Bernard Testa, News5 | InterAksyonSpectator has some fun dressing up as a camouflaged sniper. /Bernard Testa, News5 | InterAksyonPolice Special Action Force officer in front of an armored personnel carrier static display. /Bernard Testa, News5 | InterAksyonSenator Sonny Angara with other officials of San Juan City lead the ceremonial release of doves at Pinaglabanan shrine in San Juan city. /Boy Santos, News5 | InterAksyonFamilies and relatives view the remains of the fallen soldiers who died in Marawi City while fighting the Maute Terrorist Group. They were given posthumous medals of valor after a mass at Acero hall of the Marines Headquarter in Taguig City. /KJ ROSALES, News5 | InterAksyonMuslim women from Marawi City join Senator Rissa Hontiveros and former CHR Chair Etta Rosales at Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila where they held a 1-minute solidarity salute for the soldiers killed in Marawi fighting the terrorist Maute group. /EDD GUMBAN, News5 | InterAksyonHonor guard at Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City. /Michael Varcas, News5 | InterAksyon
