PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday made a three-hour stopover in Thailand to pay his respects to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Shortly before flying to Malaysia, he made a short visit to express his condolences to the members of the Thai Royal Family who are observing a one-year state of mourning.
“His Majesty, the King, was a true friend of the Philippines whose state visit in 1963 continues to resonate to this day,” Duterte said.
He said that the late king “dedicated efforts to foster goodwill and friendship between our nations and peoples.”
The members of his official delegation, including Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza and National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, were also seen signing the Book of Condolences at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport after Duterte was escorted to the Thai Grand Palace in Central Bangkok.
Bhumibol, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, died in the hospital in the capital Bangkok on Oct. 13 at the age of 88.
Duterte said he would not be discussing the Philippines’ claim to Sabah with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak but maritime security and the fight against piracy at sea.”©”©
“There won’t be any talks at this time because my visit is just one day to focus on what is happening in the Malacca Strait,” Duterte said.
He said he will seek Malaysia’s greater cooperation in the war against the illicit drug trade and support for the peace process in Mindanao.”©”©
“This menace knows no boundaries and cooperation between our nations is vital in order to address this problem,” Duterte said.”©”©
The country’s incoming Ambassador to Malaysia, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose, said Duterte was prepared to discuss the issue of the Philippines’ claim to Sabah should it be raised.
“It may or it may not be raised. But, in any case, if it is raised by either side, I’m sure our President will be prepared to discuss this issue,” he told reporters.
Philippine ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo Malaya III echoed Jose’s statement.
“I guess I will go along with what DFA spokesman Charles Jose had said and he said that we aren’t sure if the issue of Sabah will be raised or not but if it will be raised, the President will be prepared to address the issue,” Malaya told reporters.
Duterte had expressed his intention to back the Sulu Sultanate’s plan to retake Sabah from Malaysia during this year’s presidential elections that he won.
“We are allowing proprietary heirs to talk [with Malaysia]. Since it is part of our claim, it will be there as our land,” Duterte said.
Three days after Duterte’s announcement, however, Malaysia announced it would not entertain any claims by any party on Sabah.
