Protesters disrupt Duterte’s Independence Day speech in Cavite

June 12, 2018

Kawit, Cavite - About 10 young protesters disrupted President Rodrigo Duterte's speech during the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Aguinaldo Shrine here.

Disguising themselves as ordinary attendees, a woman wearing shorts and shirt suddenly shouted and brought out a piece of paper, saying June 12 was a "fake independence" and "Oust Duterte."

Other protesters from militant group Bayan Southern Tagalog joined her to the surprise of the policemen and members of the Presidential Security Group who were manning the area.

Duterte who was at the balcony of the Museo ni Aguinaldo where he was to deliver a speech apparently was surprised also.

But he later said, "It's freedom of speech. You can have it. That's okay. I will understand."

"Our Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and free expression. So I would just advise the law enforcement to just deal with them peacefully and the maximum tolerance," he added.

The policemen brought the protesters to the police station.

Duterte arrived about 30 minutes late from the supposed 8 a.m. flag-raising ceremony.

He explained that the chopper found a hard time to take off from the Malacanang Grounds and land here due to bad weather.

This was the first time Duterte was able to attend the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites to celebrate Independence Day since he assumed office in June 2016.

Last year, Duterte failed to attend similar ceremonies at Rizal Park in Manila because he was not feeling well. Celerina Monte/DMS