'Unbearable pain' cuts short Philippine leader's Japan trip

Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly cut short his trip to Japan after complaining of "unbearable pain" in his lower back.

Duterte, who was seen using a walking cane during a ceremony for Japanese Emperor Naruhito's ascendancy to the throne in Japan, will skip a banquet to return home and see his neurologist.

"The public can rest assured that there is nothing to worry as regards the physical health and condition of the president as he gives serious priority thereto in actively serving our country," presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He had suffered the back injury following a motorcycle mishap last week.

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