Duterte changes mind, stays in Papua New Guinea for APEC

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday changed his mind about cutting his trip short, opting to stay behind in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to attend remaining Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.

Philippine Ambassador to Papua Guinea Bienvenido Tejano confirmed this news to reporters on Sunday morning.

WATCH: Pres. Duterte arrives at the APEC Haus for the second day of the APEC leaders' meeting @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/d3SktO21uk

— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) November 17, 2018

Malacañang previously said Duterte would cut short his visit in the APEC summit host country. However, it has yet to explain why the president changed his mind and decided to attend remaining events.

READ: Duterte cuts short Papua New Guinea trip

At a press briefing, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said he does not know why Duterte chose to stay.

“Frankly we don't know (why he changed his mind) but the more important thing is he is here and he is [attending] all these meetings,” Lopez said, quoted by The STAR.

Duterte attended the informal dialogue with the International Monetary Fund and also joined the traditional family photo with APEC leaders.

The #APEC2018 Economic Leaders' Meeting #familyphoto! Visit our website https://t.co/IsBc3ds33Y to access news releases, features, photos and videos! pic.twitter.com/K1qg0nvWbO

— APEC Secretariat (@APEC) November 18, 2018

Last Wednesday, the president also skipped some Association of Southeast Asian Nations events in Singapore. He did not attend summits with Australia and South Korea as well as the working lunch for ASEAN leaders and the gala dinner for leaders. —With reports from Alexis Romero