Duterte calls on Pinoys to pray for COVID-19 victims, pandemic frontliners

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called on Filipinos to pray for those who died due to COVID-19 and the frontliners ensuring the safety of the populace amid the pandemic.

"I join all Filipino Catholics in the Philippines and around the world in commemorating All Saints Day and All Souls Day. This centuries-old tradition of honoring those who have come before us and led virtuous lives, as well as remembering our dearly departed, is a strong pillar of our faith and identity as a people," he said.

"As we follow the example of the saints and pray for our loved ones who have passed on, let us also pray for each other, especially during this pandemic. We pray for those who have died because of COVID-19 and we also pray for those who have sacrificed life and limb to save more lives and keep us safe," he added.

Likewise, Duterte said these days should be used to reflect and be grateful for the gift of life.

"With the grace of the Almighty, I have full trust that we will brave these trying times and emerge as a stronger nation," he said.

"May we all have a blessed and meaningful observance," he added.—AOL, GMA News