Philippines VP visits refugees from Marawi war zone, Duterte unseen in days
Duterte’s disappearances during what has been the biggest crisis of his presidency will add to frequent rumours he is in poor health
The vice-president of the Philippines expressed hope on Monday for a swift end to an urban siege by Islamist rebels, and offered support to displaced civilians during a visit normally conducted by a president not seen in public for six days.
Known for a packed public schedule and marathon speeches several times a day, Duterte’s disappearances during what has been the biggest crisis of his presidency will add to frequent rumours he is in poor health, which his office denies.
Robredo made no mention of Duterte during her visit, when she said she hoped life for the nearly 250,000 people displaced by fighting between troops and rebels allied with the Islamic State group could soon return to normal.
“All of us are hoping that the fighting will soon end so the people can go back to their respective homes,” she said.
