MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte broke down into tears last Saturday during his meeting with families of the victims of the New City Commercial Center fire in his hometown Davao City. Duterte, known for his strongman image and tough talk, wept upon hearing the news that the victims who were trapped inside the mall might have zero chance of survival, a Malacañang photo release said. The president was seen consoling the kin of the victims with his children Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, priests, nuns, fire officials and local government personnel. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte had promised to provide assistance to the victims’ families. “The president went unannounced last night to the NCCC mall and assured the relatives of the victims that the government would extend help,” Roque said in a statement.

Source: Philippine Star December 24, 2017 08:03 UTC