Duterte's Cebu supporters join nationwide simultaneous events

CEBU, Philippines — Supporters across the country of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who are calling for his immediate return after being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, joined a nationwide simultaneous prayer rally yesterday, including in Cebu.

Chanting “Bring him home!” and “Justice for Duterte!” supporters gathered for a solidarity mass and unity walk led by Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro and former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

The event, held at St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish in Mabolo, Cebu City, culminated at Plaza Independencia, where the emotional singing of Bayan Ko moved many to tears.

Rama, vice president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) for Visayas, urged the public to continue praying for Duterte’s safety and eventual release.

“Ang importante nato nga molahutay ta. Padayon atong pag-ampo hangtod mabalik diri sa Pilipinas si Tatay Digong,” Rama said.

Baricuatro echoed Rama's sentiments, emphasizing the unwavering support of the Cebuanos for Duterte.

“Nibarog na gyud ang mga Cebuanos. Padayon ang atong pag-ampo sa seguridad ug good health ni Tatay Digong. Padayon ni ang atong prayer rallies and other activities showing our support for Tatay Digong,” Baricuatro said.

Similar prayer rallies were conducted in Lapu-Lapu City led by mayoralty candidate Paz Radaza; in Consolacion led by mayoralty candidate Bingol Villo, as well as in Carcar City and other areas in Cebu.

Baricuatro also announced a three-kilometer fun run scheduled today, March 16, 2025, at 6:00 AM around Cebu Business Park, with Cebuana marathoner Joy Tabal leading the event.

A unity ride is also set for 5:00 AM, where motorcycle and four-wheeled vehicle owners will converge at Plaza Independencia.

VP Sara: ‘There Will Be a Day of Reckoning’

During her visit to her father in The Hague, Netherlands, Vice President Sara Duterte shares that the former President still has the country in mind despite his own predicament.

Vice President Duterte said that her father told her to return home and relay his message to the Filipino people.

“When we talked, as a request, he asked me to go home… He repeatedly said, ‘Do not leave the country, do not leave the Philippines, you are not supposed to be here,’” VP Sara said.

The Vice President shared that the former President was in the hospital wing of the ICC’s detention center and assured the public that he was in good spirits, well taken care of, although missing Filipino food.

Like the rest of her family, VP Sara believes Duterte was “kidnapped” and “forcibly taken” to another country, calling his arrest illegal.

She also told her father about the widespread sorrow and anger in the Philippines over his situation.

But VP Sara said her father, however, remains steadfast.

“Sabihin mo sa kanila, relax lang, may hangganan ang lahat… There will be a day of reckoning for all,” Duterte reportedly told her.

VP Sara expressed gratitude to the supporters who traveled to The Hague and those in the Philippines praying for her father’s safety and freedom.

“I’d like to thank all our countrymen for your prayers and for your profound support for the former President. We can feel your love, we can feel your anger, we can empathize with everyone’s rage with what happened. Let us not forget the real issue in our country—that is poverty, corruption, the failure of the government to answer the demands of the people about accountability and transparency, and the failure of our government to address peace and security,” VP Sara said.

After meeting with the media, she took time to speak with fellow Filipinos outside the ICC. She reminded them to take care of their jobs, as their absence could affect their employment.

“Sabi niya (PRDD), ‘Nandyan sila sa labas? Hindi ko man lang sila makamusta,’” VP Sara said, adding that her father felt deeply saddened seeing his supporters in distress.

VP Sara also relayed an important message by her dad to all the Filipinos, saying not to worry as there will be a day of reckoning.

“Sinabi niya (FRRD), ‘as a Filipino, I never surrendered my country!’ At sinabi niya na ‘wala kayong masabi na meron akong ni sino na binigay sa mga dayuhan.’”

She admitted uncertainty over her father’s exact health condition, as she was unable to speak with his attending doctor. However, she noticed that Duterte’s voice was weak, despite his insistence that he was well-rested.

VP Sara urged her father not to hide any discomfort or pain, especially given the limited access their family has to him. — (FREEMAN)