Duterte confers Order of Sikatuna to outgoing US envoy

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu to outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim.

The President thanked Kim for his almost four years of service in the country.

“The President expressed appreciation for Ambassador Kim’s vital contributions in strengthening the alliance and partnership between the Philippines and the United States,” a Palace statement said.

The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines.

Kim, on the other hand, thanked Duterte for a “productive bilateral engagement with the Philippines,” assuring the US’ commitment to partner with the country.

The US returned the Balangiga Bells to the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar during Kim’s stint in Manila.

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