BY ALEX ALAGON
- Hundreds of supporters hold rally, motorcade for former president
SUPPORTERS of former President Rodrigo Duterte gathered in rallies and motorcades across the globe on Saturday, July 19, demanding his immediate release from detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
The synchronized demonstrations coincided with the 130th day of the former leader’s detention.
In The Hague, Netherlands, a “Free Duterte Now Rally” was held outside the International Criminal Court building, drawing Filipinos from various European nations.
Vice President Sara Duterte delivered a message to the crowd, alongside Senator Robin Padilla, lawyer and musician Jimmy Bondoc, and actress BB Gandanghari, who also led prayers for the former president.
The rally in The Hague was reportedly one of two activities organized by Filipinos in the area, with another planned for Hauge Laan Van Raegan.
Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, a parallel “Free Duterte Now Rally” was also conducted on Saturday night at Rizal Park in Davao City, the former president’s hometown.
In Bacolod City, hundreds gathered in a prayer rally despite the heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression Crising. The “City of Smiles” witnessed a passionate and determined show of solidarity, with chants of “Bring Him Home!” echoing through Benjamin Hall.
Supporters in Bacolod raised placards demanding “Tatay Digong’s” interim release and repatriation.
Organizers stressed that the demonstration transcended political affiliations, describing it as a “moral stand” rooted in deep affection for a former leader whom they believe championed his countrymen.
In Cebu, the Hakbang sa Maisug spearheaded a rally that began with a mass at the Vicente Ferrer Parish Church in Liloan town, about 18 kilometers from Cebu City.
Duterte’s party, PDP-Laban, also held an indoor prayer gathering for NCR supporters at its headquarters in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Sara says family awaits ICC release
Meanwhile, the vice president on Friday said their family is awaiting the interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte from detention at the ICC, citing his age and health concerns.
In an interview with reporters, she was asked about the former president’s potential return to the Philippines amid his ongoing case for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
“How do I answer that? Maybe let’s take it one day at a time,” she said. “For now, what we are waiting for is that the case will be dismissed based on the filings regarding jurisdiction, and in the meantime, he will also be given interim release while the lawyers and prosecutors argue in court.”
The vice president admitted she was uncertain if her father’s legal counsel could provide a definitive timeline or the precise chances of his return to the Philippines.
However, she requested Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, one of her father’s defense lawyers, to make himself available to the Philippine media to address questions from the public and supporters.
Kaufman and his team recently asked the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to postpone ruling on their request for his interim release.
It can be recalled that the former president was arrested last March at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and subsequently brought to the ICC headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands, to face allegations concerning his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The hearing for the confirmation of charges against former President Duterte is provisionally set for Sept. 23, 2025.
Photo courtesy of Alvin & Tourism
THE BUCANA Bridge Project completed the final concrete pouring on the bridge deck slab, linking the entire bridge structure from Piers 1-5, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported.
The ceremonial final concrete pouring activity took place on Friday, July 18, at the segment between Piers 2 and 3, connecting Piers 1-5, marking the completion of the project’s major structural components.
The China Aid Localized Project, or known as the Bucana Bridge, is a key component of the Davao City Coastal Road Network, designed to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity across the Davao River.
Bucana Bridge features a four-lane, six-span extradosed bridge stretching 480.20 meters across the Davao River, with a total project length of 1,340 meters when including the approach roads.
Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in charge of the DPWH flagship infrastructure project, said the project is on track for completion by October 2025.
“This final concrete pour marks a key moment — the physical structure of the bridge is nearly complete. We are looking forward to turning over the fully completed bridge to the public by the last quarter of this year,” Sadain said in a report.
Meanwhile, the installation of stay cables for all piers was completed earlier last June 26.
For the following months, final works including pavement finishing, curing, lighting installation, pedestrian railings, and safety features will continue.
The bridge, once completed, will link barangays 76-A, Bucana, and Matina Aplaya, providing a more efficient route for motorists and commuters and easing the traffic congestion in downtown.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) conducted a comprehensive simulation exercise (SimEx) beginning 5:17 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, to test the immediate response capabilities of its respective stations.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip said the SimEx commenced at the City Integrated Command Center to enhance operational readiness and ensure swift police action during critical incidents.
The exercise put three different police stations to the test with distinct simulated emergencies:
- Scenario 1: Vehicular Accident (Alarm 277) – The first simulated incident involved a vehicular accident at The Bloom Coffee & Start-Up Space on Ecoland Drive. Responding personnel from Police Station 15 – Ecoland, utilizing Mobile 2120, arrived on the scene in an impressive 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
- Scenario 2: Forcible Abduction (Alarm 247) – A forcible abduction scenario was staged at GKK Sr. San Miguel, Matarlo, Bunawan. Police Station 6 – Bunawan dispatched their mobile crew, Mobile J-33, who responded within 4 minutes and 21 seconds.
- Scenario 3: Abduction (10-83) – The final simulation took place at EMCOR Agdao, JVR Del Pilar St., involving another abduction scenario. Officers from Police Station 18 – Bajada, aboard Mobile K-30, reached the site promptly in 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
The entire exercise concluded at 5:35 p.m.
Muarip lauded the stations for their prompt action and professionalism, emphasizing the critical role such exercises play in strengthening the Philippine National Police’s commitment to public safety.
“SIMEX is a vital tool to assess and improve our field performance,” stated Muarip. “Our goal is always to deliver quick and effective police service to our constituents.”
Photo courtesy of DCPO
A JOINT anti-smuggling operation led to the seizure of an estimated P6.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of one individual in Barangay Zone 1, Digos City, Davao del Sur, on July 17.
The operation, spearheaded by operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division XI and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit XI, was conducted in close coordination with the Digos City Police Station and the Bureau of Customs-Davao.
Authorities apprehended a suspect identified only by the alias Joy, who was charged with violating Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act 10643, which pertains to the Graphic Health Warning Law on tobacco products.
Police recovered approximately 128 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, with the total street value estimated at P6,400,000.
Brig Gen Joseph R. Arguelles, acting regional director of Police Regional Office XI, said the operation was part of their intensified campaign against all forms of criminality, with a particular focus on smuggling.
The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of the Digos City Police Station.
Photo courtesy of PRO XI
THE 10TH Infantry (Agila) Division marked a significant milestone on July 17 with the official closing ceremony of the Infantry Orientation Training (INFOT) Class 01-2025.
Held at the 10th Division Training School (10DTS) within Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., the event celebrated the successful completion of a rigorous specialization program by 78 new Privates.
The seven-week intensive training was meticulously designed to equip the new soldiers with essential tactical skills and enhance their field readiness, crucial elements in the ongoing efforts to sustain peace gains and operational successes across the 10th ID’s Joint Area of Operations.
Colonel Arvin Tenorio, assistant chief of staff for operations (G3) of the 10th ID, addressed the graduates, reminding them of the challenges that lie ahead.
He underscored the evolving nature of their duty, stating, “Now, our focus is on sustainment. The absence of armed conflict does not mean the absence of duty. Our greatest contribution is our discipline and service to the people.”
The newly minted soldiers are set to be deployed to the various organic infantry units of the Agila Division, where they will apply their newly acquired skills and contribute to the division’s overarching mission of protecting and serving the people within their area of responsibility.
Photo courtesy of 10th ID
THE CITY government released on Saturday, July 19, the official calendar of events for the 40th Kadayawan Festival.
“Celebrate the vibrant heritage of Davao City and the unity of its 11 ethnolinguistic tribes in a festival deeply rooted in culture and abundance. From street parades to tribal performances, it’s a grand tribute to our people, our roots, and the blessings we share,” the post on the official page reads.
The Kadayawan 2025 calendar of events is packed with cultural showcases and vibrant activities for all ages.
The festival officially kicks off with the “Kadayawan 2025 Misa Pasasalamat” at San Pedro Cathedral on Aug. 7.
Meanwhile, the Pag-Abli sa Kadayawan 2025 official opening will be on August 8 at Kadayawan Tribal Village, Magsaysay Park.
From Aug. 8 to 31, the “Kadayawan Trade Fair 2025” will be open daily at Magsaysay Park from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation will be on Aug. 9 at SM City Davao Annex Event Center, while the Hiyas sa Kadayawan Grand Coronation Night will take place at USEP Gymnasium on Aug. 14.
On Aug. 9-17, the Pananam sa Kadayawan will showcase various indigenous delicacies at Kadayawan Tribal Village, Magsaysay Park, while the Bantawan Cultural Celebration will be held on Aug. 10-12.
Enjoy “Kasikas sa Kadayawan” at Rizal Park on Aug. 13 and indulge in culinary delights at the “Kadayawan Expo & Food Trucks Bazaar” at the back of Rizal Bolton St. Extension on Aug. 14-17.
A highlight of the festival, “Agong ug Kulintangan” and “Tunog ug Sayaw sa Kadayawan” will entertain crowds at Rizal Park on Aug. 15.
On Aug. 16, “Dula Kadayawan” will be held at Peoples Park, followed by “Konsierto Kadayawan” at San Pedro Square.
The vibrant “Pamulak ug Indak Indak sa Kadayawan – Street Parade” will paint the streets from Roxas to San Pedro, culminating in “Indak Indak sa Kadayawan: The Grand Showdown” at San Pedro Square on Aug. 17.
The festival will conclude with the “Kadayawan Pasasalamat” (by invitation) at Rogen Inn on Aug. 20.
To note, Malacañang declared Aug. 15, Friday, a special non-working holiday in Davao City in line with the celebration of the 40th Kadayawan Festival.
Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Presidential Proclamation No. 826 acknowledged the city’s annual Kadayawan Festival and Indigenous Peoples Day.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Davao be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation reads.
Globe has joined the Asia United Gateway East (AUG East) submarine cable system consortium to help address East Asia’s growing demand for high‑speed, high‑capacity connectivity required by artificial intelligence (AI) and other data‑intensive technologies.
Representing Philippine opportunities and investments, Globe’s participation in the project demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and AI-driven innovation.
Industry forecasts show that traffic from AI and AI‑enhanced applications will surpass conventional usage by 2031. Asia‑Pacific organizations will also continue to lead global investment in generative AI and digital infrastructure.
“This new data superhighway strengthens our nation’s digital backbone. It gives businesses the scale, speed, and reliability they need to compete globally and embrace technologies that can uplift lives and drive inclusive progress for all Filipinos,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO.
“This investment in the AUG East cable system is a cornerstone of our long-term strategy to future-proof the Philippines’ digital infrastructure,” said Raymond Policarpio, Globe Business VP and Head of Strategy Management and Business Investments. “As AI-powered applications become increasingly pervasive, the demand for resilient, high-capacity international connectivity will also experience a surge. By securing our stake in this vital digital thoroughfare, we are proactively enabling our enterprise clients to leverage cutting-edge technologies, drive innovation, and expand their global reach, ensuring the Philippines remains a competitive hub in the digital economy.”
In response, the 8,900-kilometer AUG East cable aims to deliver additional bandwidth and strengthen network diversity and reliability along a key route linking digital hubs Singapore and Japan, with landing points in the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
To be built as a next-generation system with high optical fiber count, AUG East can deliver massive capacity for data-hungry enterprises, equivalent to streaming millions of ultra-high-definition movies simultaneously. It is set for completion by the third quarter of 2029, providing additional protection during natural disasters.
A REPORTED kidnapping in Toril, involving a 17-year-old female, has been officially debunked as fabricated, according to Major Sheryl Bautista, chief of the Toril Police Station.
The alleged incident was initially reported to the Toril Police Station by the parents of alias Jennifer on July 15, after she failed to return home from school on Monday, July 14.
Jennifer was reportedly found along the road in Banas, Barangay Bato, Toril District, on the night of Wednesday, July 16. However, upon further investigation, police grew suspicious.
In an interview on Saturday morning with the media, July 19, Major Bautista revealed that inconsistencies in Jennifer’s statements during verification led authorities to ferret out the truth.
It was later determined that Jennifer had been with her boyfriend in Ma-a during the period she was believed to be missing. The police are now considering filing charges against Jennifer for fabricating the report.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a stern warning against individuals who commit similar acts, emphasizing that such misleading reports incite unnecessary panic and disrupt public order.
Photo by Shutter Speed on Unsplash
THE CITY Agriculturist Office is lobbying to declare barangays Lasang and Matina Aplaya-Punta Dumalag as mariculture parks to further food sufficiency and security.
Aimee C. Evora, Fishery Resources Management and Services Division head, said the City Council is working on the local ordinance to designate the areas as mariculture parks, designed to support aquaculture activities, primarily fish farming.
Evora noted that the parks will allow a controlled environment to aid in the fish production and address demands in the city.
“We can have more control over aquaculture, and we can supply inputs to sustain food production. So, that’s what is being pushed now to establish our mariculture parks to help with food sufficiency here in Davao,” she said during the iSpeak media forum on Thursday, July 17.
Evora added that the ordinance is required to secure dedicated funding to support aquaculture and mariculture. It will also set guidelines and regulations for fish farming, production, and input allocation.
“Matina Aplaya was not actually declared as a mariculture park but only as a mariculture livelihood project. If will be declared as a mariculture park, clear regulations and prohibitions will be established, and the city government can allocate funding for our fisheries and operators soon,” she said.
The Punta Dumalag Mariculture Livelihood Project has produced 390 tons of fish from January to June 2025.
Production of high-value species such as lapu-lapu (grouper) and talakitok (trevally) is proposed in Lasang, while Matina Aplaya currently has bangus (milkfish), danggit (rabbitfish), and kitang (rabbitfish).
She recognized that local fishers could not supply the market’s needs, which is why the city still depends on nearby municipalities.
The 21st City Council already approved the proposed ordinance on first reading.
