Duterte apologizes to Kuwait over ‘harsh’ language

SEOUL – President Duterte yesterday apologized for his “harsh language” against Kuwait at the height of public outrage over the killing of Filipina domestic worker Jhoanna Demafelis.

Duterte said he is also grateful that Kuwait has heard his pleas for the protection of Filipino workers in the Arab country.

“I’ll go there. I’d like to thank them for understanding us, keeping their faith in us,” Duterte told Filipino workers in Seoul on the first day of his three-day visit in South Korea.

The relationship between the Philippines and Kuwait soured after the body of Demafelis was found stuffed in a freezer in an abandoned apartment in Kuwait, leading Duterte to declare a total ban on deployment of workers to Kuwait. This was later resolved with the crafting and signing of an agreement protecting Filipino domestic workers.

The rescue of allegedly abused Filipino workers from their employers – video of which was uploaded on social media – angered the Kuwaiti government.

Duterte met with over 2,500 Filipinos in South Korea.

During the meeting, the President had a duet with a Filipina performer. They sang Duterte’s favorite song, “Ikaw” (you). Another performer sang “You Raise Me Up,” a song dedicated by the President to his late mother.

Duterte was accompanied by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, Energy Secretary Alfredo Cusi and Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. , Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, Special Adviser for the Visayas Michael Dino, presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo, former Senate president Manny Villar, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Rep. Karlo Nograles and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano are also part of the delegation.