Young activists launch lightning protest during Duterte speech

KAWIT, Philippines — A group of activists heckled President Rodrigo Duterte during the celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence Tuesday here. 

Duterte just started his speech when about ten members of Bayan Southern Tagalog raised bond papers with different messages and chanted "Hunyo a dose, huwad na kalayaan (June 12, a fake independence)."

One of the messages in the papers read "Kapayapaan para sa lahat, lahat para sa kapayapaan (peace for all, all for peace)."

Some of the protesters who held the lightning rally also described the president as a "traitor" and called for his ouster before they were escorted out of the venue by members of the police and the Presidential Security Group. 

Duterte was unfazed by the presence of the protesters, whom he said have the right to express their views. 

"I will understand...Di bale. Hindi. Manood ako kasi hindi naman lahat eh (No problem. I will just watch because not everyone shares the view). Hi!" the president said as he waved to the crowd. 

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

Duterte said he loves his countrymen including those who heckled him. 

"We cannot agree at all times for all seasons. But at least we have this exercise once every six years. I suppose under this new Constitution and you can elect the leaders that you want to run the country," the president said. 

"It’s love of country and the love of the Caviteño. That's why I am here. Mahal ko kayong lahat. Pati na ‘yung mga nagprotesta, mahal ko rin sila. Kung ayaw ninyong maniwala, basta ‘yon ang totoo (I love you all. Even those who protested. I love them too. If you do not believe, that's true)," he added. 

Towards the end of his speech, Duterte invited members of the audience to visit Davao City, where he served as mayor for 23 years. 

"I advise you. Perhaps you will understand what I am doing sometimes," Duterte said.

"I want the mayor to organize (a trip to Davao). They have been there... Saan ninyo dinala 'yung nagsisigaw diyan (Where did you bring those who were shouting)? They are also invited."