Duterte a 'grieving father' as he kissed ground at Jolo blast site —Alan Cayetano

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday described President Rodrigo Duterte as a "grieving father" as the latter was photographed kissing the ground at the blast site in Jolo, Sulu rocked by twin explosions last week.

"This is why the Filipino people love President Duterte. And why his critics will never understand him," Cayetano said as a caption for the President's photo that he posted on his Facebook page.

"Where they see a politician, the whole nation sees a grieving father. Maraming salamat Mr. President - for showing us true leadership in this time of crisis," he added.

Duterte on Sunday visited Jolo, Sulu to condole with the victims of twin explosions that claimed at least 15 lives and wounded 75 others last week.

The President offered flowers and prayers at a blast site, then went to Camp Teodolfu Bautista to visit those injured in the blast and are now being treated in the camp hospital.

Malacañang earlier condemned the deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu as it urged the public to remain vigilant.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the explosion incidents in Jolo, Sulu today, which left scores dead and wounded, including soldiers. We likewise condole with the families and loved ones of those who died in these tragic incidents,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“We call on the residents of Jolo to stay vigilant and report suspicious personalities and unattended items in their areas,” he added.—AOL, GMA News