VP Sara pays respect to ex-PM Shinzo Abe

GREAT LEADER. Vice President Sara Z. Duterte writes a letter in honor of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the official residence of Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa on Monday (July 11, 2022). Duterte said she joined the Filipino people in condemning “the senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a great leader.” (Photo courtesy of Office of the Vice President via PNA)

MANILA – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Monday visited the official residence of Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa to pay respect to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Abe died on July 8 after he was shot by a 41-year-old man from behind using an improvised handgun while he was speaking during a campaign rally in Nara City two days ahead of a national election.

In a handwritten letter, Duterte expressed her “profound condolences” to the bereaved family of Japan’s former leader.

“It is a great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. My profound condolences to his bereaved family and the people of Japan who are grieving over his untimely demise,” she wrote.

Duterte also condemned “senseless act of violence” that led to the untimely death of Abe.

“I join the Filipino people in condemning the senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a great leader. While words must be of little solace at this time, kindly allow me to express my sincerest appreciation for his contributions in bringing our countries even closer,” she added.

The Vice President also empathized with the Japanese people, noting that Abe’s leadership and influence will never be forgotten.

“He will always be remembered for his love and kindness for the Filipinos and Davao City. We mourn with you in this time of loss,” she said.

On Friday, Duterte condoled with Abe’s family and the Japanese people for the “shocking tragedy, exposing the dark side of humanity.”

She said with Abe’s passing, the “world has lost a great leader.”

In 2017, Abe visited the Philippines, including Davao City where the former Japan’s leader met former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at his home.