President Rodrigo Duterte paid his last respects early Friday to Fr. Fernando Suarez, known as the “healing priest,” at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.
Suarez, 52, died Tuesday during a tennis competition in Ayala Alabang Clubhouse after collapsing due to a heart attack.
President Duterte extended his condolences to the bereaved family of Suarez, whom he considers as a friend, saying he believes in the priest’s healing ministry.
Suarez gained public attention for his supposed capability to cure people, attracting hundreds of believers desperate for cure in his healing masses.
The priest, who hailed from Taal, Batangas, is known for spearheading faith healing in the country and for founding the Missionaries of Mary Mother of the Poor Congregation that has branches in Batangas, Cebu, and Davao del Norte.