Duterte, Robredo inauguration generally peaceful—PNP

President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice-President Leni Robredo during their separated inauguration. (PNA and Facebook photos)

MANILA—The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday was generally peaceful.

PNP Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said except for demonstrations staged by militant groups in Mendiola, Manila, there are no significant untoward incidents that occured during these occasions.

Duterte formally took his oath on Thursday noon as the Philippines’ 16th chief executive, succeeding outgoing Pres. Benigno Aquino III who arrived around 10:25 a.m. in Malacañang.

The two met for over 30 minutes at the President’s Hall Sala before Aquino was given departure honors at the Palace Grounds.

Meanwhile, Robredo took her oath as the country’s second-highest elected official at the Quezon City Reception House in New Manila on Thursday morning.

Robredo was sworn in by the chairmen of two barangays (villages) from Camarines Sur and Quezon City, Rolando Coner of Barangay Punta Tarawal and Regina Celeste San Miguel of Barangay Mariana respectively, at the new home of the Office of the Vice President here.

Robredo was inaugurated as the 14th Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines.

After the inauguration, Robredo will join her supporters in a gathering at the Quezon City Memorial Circle at 5:30 p.m.

Deviating from tradition, this is the first time in recent where the two highest elected officials had opted to be sworn in to office separately.

Meanwhile, Mayor said that heightened alert remains as the PNP will have assumption ceremony on Friday morning, for the incoming PNP Chief Chief Supt. Ronald Dela Rosa to be held at PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Earlier, Dela Rosa said he will immediately meet with the newly-designated regional commanders and heads of various police units for a command conference.

According to him, the command conference will be presided by President Rodrigo Duterte.