Duterte receives call from Canada’s Trudeau

Presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday revealed that he received a call from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday afternoon.

Duterte said they talked for nine minutes about some issues including adherence to the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He said he told Trudeau, "I'm following it." 

The two leaders also talked about the Canadian hostage who was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf. Duterte said he apologized for the incident.

"Please accept my apology for the incident that happened. We will try our very best and see to it that it will never happen again. And rest assured that the time comes we will be able to apprehend the criminals and exect justice," the Davao strongman said in a press conference in Davao City.

“I said that we are partners. May we remain partners for all time,” he added.

When pressed for more details, in jest he said, “Hindi ko tinanong 'yung state of health niya.”

Trudeau was the second world leader, that Duterte disclosed, who called him to congratulate him and to discuss some issues.

Earlier, he received a phone call from US President Barack and they discussed their stand on the South China Sea territory dispute. — BAP/KG, GMA News