Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte spotted shopping in Hong Kong for second time in less than five months as partner Honeylet Avancena celebrates birthday

President seen in fashionwear chain Uniqlo’s shop at the World Trade Centre in Causeway Bay

Duterte’s daughter requested the visit as a gift as it was something they had regularly done as a family in the past, according to former aide

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Rodrigo Duterte walks around the Uniqlo shop in Causeway Bay’s World Trade Centre – much to the surprise of some. Photo: Henry Chai

Published: 11:30pm, 16 Feb 2019Updated: 11:09pm, 17 Feb 2019

Shoppers’ paradise Hong Kong attracted a surprise visitor at the weekend – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who was seen in town for the second time in less than five months.

Duterte was in Hong Kong with his long-time partner Honeylet Avancena, who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday, and their daughter Kitty.

The visit by the 73-year-old Philippine strongman came two months after four Hongkongers were jailed for life on drug charges in the country.

The presidential office said on Saturday the visit was a personal trip to celebrate Avancena’s 49th birthday.

Honeylet Avancena blows out the birthday cake candles as Rodrigo Duterte looks on. Photo: Twitter

Christopher “Bong” Go, the president’s former special assistant, later added that Duterte’s daughter had requested the visit as a gift as it was something they had regularly done as a family in the past.

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