Duterte admits coddling then fugitive Honasan

May 9, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte admitted on Tuesday that he coddled then fugitive former Senator Gregorio Honasan. Duterte disclosed when Honasan was wanted by the government for his alleged involvement in coup d'etat, the latter was in Davao City and even went with him riding motorbikes. "During the days of a crisis or the days of living dangerously, I and Gringo, I call him Gringo, I'd like to call him Gringo now. He was wanted by the government but he was in Davao with me and the other Rod, the guy from the Air Force. We were having a great time touring around the place," he said in a speech during the launching and commissioning of the Philippine Red Cross Humanitarian Vessel at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Pasay City. Duterte did not say when Honasan took refuge in Davao. The former senator was involved in coup attempts against President Corazon Aquino who assumed the post in 1986 and during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Honasan and Arroyo were present in the Philippine Red Cross event. Duterte said he and Honasan were wearing helmets then as he jokingly said, "that is how competent the Armed Forces." (Celerina Monte/DMS)