Rally for Digong goes on despite rain

CEBU, Philippines —  Braving heavy downpour, hundreds of motorcycle riders and supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte took to the streets last Saturday, July 19, calling for his immediate release from detention at The Hague in the Netherlands.

Dubbed the “Free Duterte Now Rally and Unity Ride”, the event kicked off at 3 P.M., and according to lead organizer Ian Gacrama, the large turnout despite the rain demonstrated the unyielding commitment of Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS).

“Rain or shine, the spirit of a DDS never fades. We were soaking wet, but full of fire. Our riding community pressed on --fighting for justice and freedom for Tatay Digong,” Gacrama said in a statement.

The rally was made possible through the support of various DDS Parallel Groups, including SARA Philippines, Inc. - Cebu Chapter, Solid Inday Sara - SIS Supporters and Volunteers, Sara Duterte for President Movement, Sara Volunteer Action Group, Sara Tayo, Philippine Freedom Riders Club Inc., Duterte Riders Team-Philippines, Cebuanos United for FPRRD and Kinto Mix Riders Club, and Byaheng Duterte.

“To all of us who call for justice, compassion, and dignity in humanity, we are here to demand the release for a man who has dedicated his life to serving our country. A former president, a national treasure, President Rodrigo Duterte,” said Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro

Speaking before hundreds of supporters and prayer rally participants in Barangay Lagtang, she said that at 80 years old, Duterte has given so much of himself for the betterment of people.

“Now he finds himself in a place far from his homeland, far from the people who love him. This is a situation that should never happen to any leader, especially not to someone who has so fought tirelessly for our nation's progress and sovereignty,” she said.

Baricuatro also acknowledged that the former president is part of her victory.

“Have mercy. Release him now. This is not just about one man. This is about justice, dignity, and the moral soul of our nation. We cannot stand by while a former president, a national treasurer, is taken away from us in this manner. We implore those in power to see the humanity in this situation. He is not a criminal. He is a Filipino who deserves our respect, our compassion, and our support,” said Baricuatro.

To the world, she said, “Filipinos are a nation of compassion, of respect for our elders, and of justice. Let us not forget these values. Let us remember that our leaders should be judged by their service, their love for their country, and their love for their constituents. Today, I call on everyone here, and all Filipinos across the nation, bring him home now. Let us stand together, raise our voices, and remind those in authority that justice and mercy must prevail”.

Baricuatro also told the former president “You are not alone. The Filipino people are with you. We will continue to fight for your freedom, for your dignity, and for the respect that Filipinos deserve.”

The event also drew several high-profile personalities.Among those in attendance aside from Baricuatro were Rob Rances, Israelito Torreon, Glenn Chong, and Peter Laviña, among others.

“Their presence amplified our cause and gave us strength to carry on,” Gacrama said.

Gacrama thanked his co-organizers Clovis and Angel Racho, Toto Lacro, Dan Salceda, Ruben Vertucio, and Brother Moises Deiperine of DRT as well as to unnamed friends and DDS supporters who pledged resources in make the event a success.

“To our DDS FRIENDS nga nag-pledge sa event you know who you are! Your support made everything from the setup sa stage mga additional expenses, foods, bottled waters and program flow very successful and memorable. Dili gyud nako sayangan ang inyong pagsalig. Nag tinabangay ang tanan wala sa amo ang credit grabbing style pamilya among turingan sa usag usa maoy solid mi ug hapsay ang event,” Gacrama said.

In closing, Gacrama announced that, on the advice of Torreon, the movement will now launch a petition calling for Duterte’s immediate release.

He ended with a direct challenge to the current administration:

“To the BBM administration: how many rallies and unity rides will it take for you to listen? We Cebuanos are done being silent. Ang among kasuko, inyong kasubo. FREE DUTERTE NOW!” Gacrama further said.

During his address in a video message, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, son of the former president, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people attending the rally for their unwavering support for his father.

“To my fellow Cebuanos here in Talisay City, thank you so much for your unwavering support for my father, PRRD. Let us continue working together to bring him home to our nation. Let us persist in exposing the injustices committed by the current administration,” he further said. (CEBU NEWS)