Duterte takes commercial flight to Davao

Despite the security risk, President Rodrigo Duterte took a commercial flight back to Davao City on Thursday night, July 7.

Duterte can be seen shaking hands with other PAL passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2. He is also seen seated inside the PAL plane in what appears to be a Premium Economy seat.

Philippine presidents typically travel in specially-assigned military planes due to security concerns. It's obvious these concerns were considered judging from the large security entourage accompanying Duterte as he entered the airport.

Jets and choppers under the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force are the usual modes of transportation for Philippine presidents, according to an explainer in the official Malacañang website. For domestic trips, a short-range jet airliner dubbed "Kalayaan One" is used.

A supposed threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was reported to Davao City acting mayor Paolo Duterte just a few days before Duterte flew to Davao City.

On the campaign trail, Duterte said his good friend, religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, was willing to lend him his private jet for his flights to Davao City but it is not clear if this plan is pushing through.