Duterte mourns death of Oman’s Sultan

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has expressed condolences to the people of Oman after the passing of Sultan Qaboos bin Said on Friday.

“On behalf of the Filipino nation, President Duterte expresses his sincere condolences and offers his fervent prayers to the government and people of the Sultanate of Oman as they mourn their beloved leader,” Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

The Palace, he added, is saddened by the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. 

“Sultan Qaboos was a man of vision and foresight who transformed his country into a modern and stable nation it is known today. We thank His Majesty for graciously hosting thousands of Filipinos who work and consider Oman their second home,” he added.

The Omani government announced the death of its long-time leader yesterday. He was 79. 

“Oman, under the stable leadership of His Majesty, has been been a leading player in promoting peace and security in the Middle East. It is likewise a benevolent host to thousands of Filipinos who have made Oman their second home,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs in a statement. 

The Philippine embassy in Oman’s capital Muscat said it would be closed from Jan. 12 to 14 in line with the three-day mourning period declared for the death of Qaboos.

Emergency cases may be referred to the embassy’s assistance to national hotlines and online accounts. At least 59,944 overseas Filipino workers are in Oman.

One of the longest-serving leaders in the Arab world, Qaboos was credited to have transformed Oman from being an impoverished nation to a rich and stable one during his over four-decade rule.  – With Janvic Mateo