Close-in staff honors Duterte with drone show

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte’s close-in staff honored him with a drone show days before the end of his term.

A video posted on Facebook by Palace protocol officer Egan Jasmin showed drones lighting up the skies above Malacañang while an instrumental version of “MacArthur Park,” one of Duterte’s favorite songs, played in the background.

Lights spelled the words “Salamat (Thank you)” and “PRRD,” which stood for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The drones then formed a semblance of the 77-year-old President, a closed fist that is his signature hand gesture, and the Philippine flag. The lights also spelled the words “Happy Father’s Day.”

Duterte was seen viewing the drone show from Bahay Pagbabago, his official residence.

Jasmin said the show involved 100 drones programmed in less than a week.

“Different colors lighted in the night as our way of telling him how thankful we are to have him as our President. This may not be enough to wrap up all the words but he appreciated our effort. For the nth time, #SalamatPRRD,” she wrote in her post.

Duterte, who will turn over the presidency to former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 30, has said he is ready to become a private citizen and to return to Davao City to spend time with his family.

But he has also vowed to continue his crusade against illegal drugs, even threatening to run after local officials who are into narcotics trade.

The outgoing Chief Executive has also announced a plan to teach criminal law in a police academy in Davao City.