Interview

Statement by Assistant to the Presidential Spokesperson Ms. China Jocson by Marie Peña-Ruiz – Kaagapay ng Bayan (Radyo Pilipinas)

MARIE:                                              Magandang umaga, Ma’am.

JOCSON:                                            Good morning, Marie. How are you today?

MARIE:                                               Fine, ma’am. Good morning.

JOCSON:                                           Good morning.

MARIE:                                               I know you’re fine, too.

JOCSON:                                            Yes, I am.

MARIE:                                               Ma’am, mara—may mga Ilokanong nandito ngayon eh. In-invade tayo ng Ilo—“Ilocoslovakia”

JOCSON:                                            Oh, Iloka—

MARIE:                                               Mga Information Officers po, ma’am.

JOCSON:                                            Regards sa kanila Marie, hindi ako marunong mag-Ilocano. Pero napintas—ganoon, parang ganoon ang ano…

MARIE:                                               Gaya mo, napintas, Ma’am.

JOCSON:                                            Salamat. Marie, ang Presidente ay natin napaka-busy at napaka-productive niya, this week. So, sabihin mo sa mga guests mo, is bigyan niyo ho ako ng pagkakataon para nang malaman nila kung ano naman ang ginawa ng ating Presidente. Magsisimula na ako Marie, from September 11.

MARIE:                                               Yes, ma’am. Tamang tama, sila’y mga Information Officers.

JOCSON:                                            Ah, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagdalaw. Ito ho ang aking wrap-up of the activities of our President na nagsimula po noong Monday, September 11. Si President Rodrigo Roa Duterte paid his last respects to the Marawi fallen soldier, 11th Scout Ranger Company Commander Captain Rommel Sandoval, who was killed in action while rescuing a wounded comrade.

The Commander-in-Chief then made his fourth visit in Marawi City to boost the morale of troops, assuring them of government’s continued support and assistance, at the same time inspecting the battleground, including the Grand Mosque and Mapandi Bridge that have been recently retaken by government forces from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists.

On Tuesday, September 12, PRRD expressed his condolences to the families of Scout Ranger Captain Rommel Sandoval and Private First Class Sherwin Marco Canapi in their wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani Mortuary in Taguig City.  He awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Medal of Kalasag to the two slain soldiers and gave cash assistance to their families.

On Wednesday, September 13, in a series of ceremonies at the Malacañang Palace, President Duterte received the credentials of five new ambassadors to the Philippines from the countries of Belgium, Mexico, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Nigeria. He then attended the turnover ceremony of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, giving to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) a check worth over P65-million for the wounded-in-action soldiers in Marawi City.

PRRD expressed gratitude for the continuing assistance of China during the ongoing rebellion in the Islamic city. In another event in Malacañang, the President led the awarding of presidential citations and cash incentives to the medalists of the recently concluded 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur. Likewise, he expressed his gratitude to the Filipino athletes who represented the country.

Lastly, he conferred the Gawad Mabini Award upon six Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials, where he acknowledged their dedication and acumen in carrying out the country’s principled and independent policy.  He bestowed the rank of ‘Dakilang Kasugo’ or Commander to Vice Consul Theodore Andrei Bauzon and Director Ryan Francis Gener; and the rank of ‘Dakilang Kamanong’ (Grand Cross) to Undersecretary Enrique Manalo, Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso, Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, and Ambassador Mario de Leon, Jr.

Lastly, on Thursday, September 14, PRRD met with Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) officials and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel in Malacañang. Later that day, he graced the 24th Anniversary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), where he assured that his administration will continue to extend the hand of friendship and peace to its various partners in the peace process.

He also attended the Bluebirds Night as part of the 49th anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing or PAW, commending them of their unwavering dedication and commitment as a reliable partner and a trusted arm of the presidency. The Commander-in-Chief thanked the men and women of the 250th PAW for ensuring his safety during his travels.

Marie, wala tayong statement today, pero ‘yan ang ating mga update sa nakaraang linggo ng ating Pangulo. Marie?

MARIE:                                               Yes, maraming salamat, ma’am.

JOCSON:                                            Maraming salamat at regards ulit sa ating mga kababayan sa iyong studio at sa mga taga-Ilocos at sa iyong taga-pakinig sa buong Pilipinas. Thank you.

MARIE:                                               Thank you ma’am, happy weekend.

JOCSON:                                            Happy weekend, mabuhay ka.

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