Various rallies and motorcades are scheduled in Puerto Princesa City on Saturday, March 15, to support former President Rodrigo Duterte and call for his return to the Philippines following his detention in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity.
One gathering will occur at Lafipa Covered Court in Barangay Sicsican, starting at 3 p.m., following a motorcade from Baywalk to Sicsican. Participants are encouraged to wear black or green as symbols of unity.
Organizer Levi Juarbal Samillan stated in a Facebook post that foreign entities should not judge the former president.
“Hindi nararapat na nililitis ng mga banyaga ang ating mahal na Dating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte! Hindi sila ang dapat maghusga sa isang lider na buong pusong naglingkod sa bayan!” he posted on Facebook.
“Oras na para ipakita ang ating suporta! Sama-sama tayong manindigan at ipanawagan: IBALIK SI FPRRD SA PILIPINAS!,” he added
A separate peace rally will begin at 5 p.m. at Robinsons Mall, followed by a motorcade with a noise barrage heading to Puerto Princesa City Baywalk, where a vigil rally will start at 6 p.m.
City Councilor Elgin Damasco clarified in a Facebook post that the vigil rally is not aimed at calling for the overthrow of the government.
Similar demonstrations have occurred nationwide. In Iligan City, residents gathered along the national highway on March 11 to protest Duterte’s arrest.
The Philippine National Police have secured areas like the EDSA Shrine in anticipation of further pro-Duterte protests.
Duterte was arrested on March 11 by the Philippine National Police and Interpol, based on an International Criminal Court warrant charging him with crimes against humanity related to the Philippine drug war. He was transferred to the Netherlands, where he is expected to face trial in The Hague.
Supporters have condemned Duterte’s arrest and criticized the government’s actions. People gathered outside Villamor Air Base, where Duterte was brought after his arrest, to express their disapproval.
The ICC’s arrest warrant alleges that as president, Duterte created, funded, and armed death squads that carried out murders of purported drug users and dealers. He could become the first Asian former head of state to go on trial at the ICC.
