- 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
