More rallies, gatherings held for former President Rodrigo Duterte

CEBU, Philippines — Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte in Cebu and across the country continue to show their solidarity and call for his return after his detention in The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.

Yesterday, during the Araw ng Dabaw celebrations, thousands of Duterte supporters in Davao City turned the event into a day of “grieving,” with many wearing black during the opening parade.

Instead of the usual celebration for Davao’s 88th Charter Day, Davaoeños called for Duterte’s return while also demanding the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In Cebu, a unity ride caravan was held early Sunday morning, starting at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City. Hundreds of Duterte supporters on motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles passed through major highways toward Carmen town in northern Cebu before heading back to Talisay City in southern Cebu.

Prior to the caravan, another group of supporters held a prayer rally and candle-lighting ceremonies in Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Carcar City, and Consolacion town. Similar events were held nationwide.

Cebu politicians join calls for Duterte's return

Consolacion mayoralty candidate Bingol Villo, a member of Duterte's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), said they will continue to rally people in support of Duterte, even during their official campaign activities.

“Ang atong gihangyo sa katawhan nga magpabilin atong panag-igsuonay isip mga Pilipino. Unya dili ta mawad-an og paglaum nga moabot ra gihapon ang atong kalinaw sa nasud sa atong pag-ampo sa atong mahal nga Ginoo,” Villo said.

In Lapu-Lapu City, mayoral candidate Paz Corro Radaza led another prayer rally in Barangay Mactan. She urged Oponganons to continue praying for Duterte’s health and thanked those who participated in the hour-long gathering, which concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony.

Meanwhile, Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro and former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama led a solidarity mass, a unity walk from Mabolo to Plaza Independencia, and a prayer rally attended by over a thousand Duterte supporters calling for justice and his return to the country.

In Mandaue City, Hakbang ng Maisug-Cebu organized a prayer rally and candle-lighting event on Thursday, attended by over a thousand Mandauehanons. The group also participated in the Araw ng Dabaw protests in Davao City, while Cebuana Olympian Mary Joy Tabal led a run-walk event in Cebu as part of the ongoing demonstrations.

Baste Duterte: “we will fight back”

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the youngest son of the former president, expressed frustration over his father’s arrest and warned Marcos Jr. that he will never be loved by the people.

“Mr. President Marcos, you will never be loved, especially by us calling out Rody Duterte’s name. You will never be loved! We will stand up and we will fight back!” Mayor Duterte said in his message during the city's charter day.

He said the past week had been an emotional rollercoaster for him and his family, but the continued support from Filipinos in different parts of the country and abroad gives them strength to fight for what is right.

Mayor Duterte also accused President Marcos Jr. of betraying their family’s past support.

“All you (PBBM) have is government resources and your term. Beyond that, you are nothing!” he said.

He also recalled that it was his father who allowed the burial of Marcos Jr.’s father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, yet now his father is imprisoned.

“Giingnan tika, Marcos, wa gyud kay utang kabubut-on. Ang imong amahan, gipalubong sa akong amahan, pero akong amahan gipariso nimo," Baste Duterte exclaimed, as he added expletives to his message to the President.

He furtber urged his father’s supporters not to lose hope. “Dili kini panahon nga magluya-luya ta. Dili nato sayangon ang sakripisyo nga gipakita ni Rody Duterte! Dili pa ni mahuman karon! Ug di mi mahuman!”

Bong Go: Duterte not taking his medication

Senator Bong Go, a longtime ally of Duterte, called on politicians who once supported the former president to speak up and take action for his release.

He also revealed that Duterte has not been taking his medication because he does not have his prescribed medicines with him in detention.

“Ipagdasal po natin ang kanyang health at kalayaan. Maging mahinahon po kayo, mga kababayan ko… Alam nyo bakit? Maari nilang gamitin ito laban sa atin. Ipahiwatig lang natin ang ating nararamdaman,” Go said.

He vowed that Duterte’s supporters will not stop fighting for his return.

“Dili ta muundang hangtod dili siya makauli! Dili nato undangan! Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyong suporta ug pagsalig kay Tatay Digong. Gibuhat lang niya ang iyang trabaho para sa mga Pilipino!” Go added. — /ATO (FREEMAN)