TACLOBAN CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte made an unannounced visit to Eastern Visayas over the weekend, touring several churches across the provinces of Samar and Biliran in what appeared she said to be a private spiritual journey and a show of gratitude to supporters of her family.
The vice president arrived at Calbayog Airport on Saturday, April 19, around 8:00 am, and proceeded directly to the Most Holy Trinity Parish in Barangay Trinidad, just a kilometer away. According to sources, only a few church staff were present when she arrived.
From there, Duterte visited the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Calbayog City proper, followed by stops at various churches in Samar: St. Michael Parish in Gandara, St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in San Jorge, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Tarangnan, and the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and St. Bartholomew Parish in Catbalogan City.
City officials confirmed that her visit was not coordinated with the local government.
During brief interactions with people she met at the churches, Duterte expressed her appreciation for the continued support of Samarnons for her office and for her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na pagsuporta lalo na kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at sa patuloy na pagtitiwala sa aking opisina, ang opisina ng Ikalawang Pangulo ng ating bayan,” she said.
She also encouraged supporters to keep advocating for the former president’s return to the country amid ongoing legal proceedings.
After spending the night in Samar, the vice president continued her church visits on Sunday, April 20, stopping by the Naval Cathedral in Biliran province, where she was again welcomed by local supporters.
She also made a short visit in Ormoc City.
It was not cleared if she met with any local officials during her visits to these various places. The vice president has earlier been impeached by the House of Representatives due to allegation of corruptions.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
