Former President Duterte condemns assassination try on Donald Trump
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte strongly denounced the attempted assassination of former United States President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13.

In a statement, Duterte said that the shooting of Trump as he was speaking in a rally was a chilling indictment during these times. He added that it is a wake-up call that no one, not even a former President and leading presidential candidate, is safe, even in the most powerful nation.
Duterte said while the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, had already been neutralized before he could inflict further damage, his death leaves a trove of questions that will preoccupy investigators in the coming days.
“The failed assassination comes at a crucial time when the election for the next President of the United States is barely four months away. Speculation that this violent incident has something to do with the upcoming elections is too difficult to resist,” Duterte said.
Considering America’s role in world affairs, Duterte said the outcome of the elections carries far-reaching repercussions for many countries, including the Philippines.
Duterte said Trump, who was wounded in the ear, had gained a significant advantage in the presidential race, which was a cause for concern among those opposed to his announced priorities.
The former Philippine Chief Executive cited American policies under incumbent President Joe Biden's administration towards the Philippines, particularly the installation of a missile system in Ilocos Norte, have placed this country in considerable danger.
“It has generated no small amount of fear among Filipinos wary that the country has now become a target if war breaks out anytime,” Duterte said, as he wished Trump a speedy recovery from wounds and whatever trauma caused by the failed assassination attempt.
As he joined all Filipinos in wishing that the results of the coming election would augur well for the Philippines and its citizens, Duterte said he sincerely hoped that Trump would rise from the temporary aberration and wrap up his campaign without further incidents.