THE LEGAL defense team of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte asked supporters to join the detained leader’s 81st birthday celebration at The Hague on March 28.
In a statement, the defense team sought to reassure the public that Duterte remains informed of the outpouring of support from the Philippines.
“The Duterte defense wants the former President’s supporters to know that not one greeting goes unnoticed and every one is brought to his attention,” Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said. “We are providing just a small selection, and we hope that 28 March 2026 will be the greatest birthday celebration anyone has ever had.”
A Birthday behind bars
The message comes as Duterte marks his second birthday since being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in the Netherlands.
The former president is currently awaiting a decision from the Pre-Trial Chamber on whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial regarding his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Coinciding with Araw ng Davao
In his hometown, the celebration carries extra weight. March 28 coincides with the grand Parada Dabawenyo, a centerpiece of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw festivities.
Vice President Sara Duterte previously confirmed her attendance at the parade, noting that her presence in the city is a dual commitment to the community and her father’s milestone.
Davao City officials have clarified that the scheduling of the parade was incidental, driven by the logistics of the Ironman 70.3 event this week. However, supporters are expected to turn the civic parade into a massive show of force for the elder Duterte.
PNP on high alert
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already shifted to a heightened security posture in different areas in the country, particularly in Davao and Metro Manila.
With the defense team’s call for a “greatest celebration,” authorities are preparing for large crowd dispersals and rallies calling for the former President’s return to the Philippines.
As of press time, the defense team continues to review “thousands” of digital and physical messages from supporters to be shared with the former President during his scheduled visitation hours in Scheveningen.
