Rody fashion: Barong with denims

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga, Philippines – His mentor Fidel Ramos made a fashion statement with rolled-up barong Tagalog sleeves.

President Duterte, who once joked that the barong Tagalog is for funerals, is making his own fashion statement.

At the 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at Clark Air Base here yesterday, Duterte arrived clad in a barong with sleeves rolled up, paired with denim jeans and his signature brown boots.

Duterte sported similar attire at the presidential debates during the campaign.

Upon arrival in a helicopter at Haribon Hangar, the President was presented a medallion by Capt. Apple Medroso.

Addressing the PAF, Duterte discarded his prepared speech, saying it was just “motherhood statements.”

Instead, Duterte directed Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronaldo de la Rosa to focus efforts against kidnap-for-ransom gangs and carjack groups aside from the crackdown on illegal drugs.

He cited the case of now anti-crime crusader Boy Evangelista, whose son was killed and the body burned by carjackers in the early years of the Aquino administration.

He also said that members of the Chinese-Filipino community are often victimized by kidnap-for-ransom groups.

Duterte noted that the number of cases involving kidnapping in Davao City is very low, if not zero, because those who dared were killed.

“Wala na talaga sa Davao, lahat nangkidnap dun patay (There is really none in Davao, all who kidnapped people are dead),” he said.

“Go check the records. All who kidnapped in Davao are dead. Why are you scared? I’m not addressing myself to human rights. I’m ready to stake my honor and my life to stop crimes,” he added.

He did not say if the suspects were killed in police operations or were victims of summary execution.

Duterte also thanked the PAF personnel for their support for the government, and joined in the awarding of distinguished Air Force personnel and units.